In California, is it ever legal to make a U-Turn over a solid double yellow line?

Question

In California, is it ever legal to make a U-Turn over a solid double yellow line?

Answer 1

You've asked a really wonderful question, a question that illustrates the IGNORANCE of other drivers who are certain they know the rules and regulations by which they drive, but really don't.



I have been a driving instructor here in California for over 25 years and I am also amazed that many driving instructors don't even know the answer to this question and other similar questions about driving laws.



Your question will undoubtedly educate several other drivers, at least about this rule regarding U-Turns.



Thank you again for asking this question.



YES, IT IS LEGAL TO MAKE A U-TURN OVER A SOLID DOUBLE YELLOW LINE.



You can find your answer in the California Driver's Handbook (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs25thru29.htm )which clearly outlines Legal U-Turns. The following is copied and pasted directly out of the CA DMV Handbook.



Legal U-Turns

A U-turn is turning around in the street to go back the way you came. To make a U-turn, signal and use the far left lane or the center left turn lane. You may make a U-turn:



Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal.

In a residential district:

if no vehicle approaching you is closer than 200 feet.

whenever a traffic sign or signal protects you from approaching vehicles.

At an intersection on a green light or green arrow unless a "No U-turn" sign is posted.

On a divided highway only if an opening is provided in the center divider.



I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

No it is not. I actually got a ticket for precisely that once - it turned out I was truly leaving California to move to Massachusetts the very next day but I could not get out of it. I am back in CA now, and every time I drive past that spot, I remember my lesson - it was expensive. the law is basically this: a double yellow line is legally the same as a physical barrier - you can't cross a median and you can't cross there either. That being said, there are more places to make a u-turn, and people do do it more often at virtually any corner in CA then they did in MD where I came from before. This is a state level issue, that he is asking about LA is irrelevant. Edit - mine was not so far from the first poster's ticket as it turns out.

Answer 3

A double solid yellow line is a standard traffic marking. It means traffic going in oppostie directions (the color yellow) and that neither lane of traffic can go cross into the opposite lane(solid yellow line) therefore, it is not legal ANYWHERE to cross a double solid line.



A white line means traffic on either side is going in the same direction.



A stiped line (such as in the middle of a highway) means that traffic is allowed to use the other lane.



Double lines are used typically on two lane roadways to signal drivers when the can or cannot cross lanes (ie, on some roadways, you will see a solid yellow line and a striped yellow line, this means that one lane (the one on the side of the stripe) can cross over, while the one with the solid line cannot.)



The only vehicle that can U-turn over a double solid yellow line in California is an authorized emergency vehicle responding to an emergency.

Answer 4

u-turns are generally allowed at intersections except where explicitly not allowed (usually with a big sign saying "U Turns Prohibited"). You make the u-turn from the normal left turn lane, if it exists; at intersections controlled by traffic lights, you will normally only be able to make u-turns on the green arrow or similar. U-turns on busy streets or in business areas are generally not allowed except at intersections; in most other cases, you can make a u-turn with appropriate care, unless the street has a solid yellow line down the middle. U-turns are of course strictly forbidden on freeways and most highways.

Answer 5

Only if you are directed by a police officer or the bridge is out! Otherwise, it is highly illegal to cross the double soild line. Good luck!

Answer 6

Legal U Turn

Answer 7

if ur not a cop on a call....no