U-Turn Controlled Intersection

Q: Hi, you had a question asked about a week ago about doing a U-Turn at a controlled intersection. I am having a discussion with a friend and they do not believe me. They're going to wash my truck for a month if I am right. We mud bog so it's worth the inquiry.

A: U-Turns are a largely misunderstood driving maneuver. The Motor Vehicle Act refers to u-turns as reverse turns. It is illegal to make a u-turn at a controlled intersection with traffic lights. The law is quite explicit.

Reverse turn
Section 168 of the Motor Vehicle Act indicates that except as provided by the bylaws of a municipality, a driver must not turn a vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction
(a) unless the driver can do so without interfering with other traffic, or,
(b) when he or she is driving
(i) on a curve,
(ii) on an approach to or near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 150 m,
(iii) at a place where a sign prohibits making a U-turn,
(iv) at an intersection where a traffic control signal has been erected, or
(v) in a business district, except at an intersection where no traffic control signal has been erected.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

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