Improper Turns in Ontario
Improper turns are a type of traffic violation that can be dangerous. This includes turning from the wrong lane or turning when it is prohibited. Improper turns make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate your movements, increasing the risk of accidents. These turn violations can cause collisions, as it’s quite challenging for other drivers to predict your next maneuver. Making an unsafe turn may lead to severe consequences, especially if you roll through a red light or thought you could make the turn, resulting in an accident.
Various traffic laws regulate making improper turns:
- Improper right turns: sections 141(2) and 141(3) of the HTA;
- Improper left turns: sections 141(6) and 141(7) of the HTA;
- Turn contrary to sign at an intersection: section 144(9) of the HTA;
- Disobey sign: section 182(2) of the HTA.
Penalties for Improper Turns
- A fine of $110
- Two demerit points
- A conviction will remain on your record for three years and may affect your insurance rates
If you pay the fine for making an improper turn or plead guilty, it will be recorded as a conviction on your driving record. This may cause your insurance premiums to increase, depending on your policy. However, it is considered a minor conviction for insurance purposes. As experts in this field, we recommend that you do not plead guilty or pay the fine.
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How to Fight Improper Turn Charges?
Hire a traffic lawyer or paralegal to represent you in court
*Remember, if you choose to simply pay the fine and not go to court, you are pleading guilty
It is highly recommended that you seek legal representation immediately if facing improper turn charges. Having a lawyer represent you will significantly improve your chances of winning in court and avoid hefty penalties. If you choose not to hire representation, you must be ready to go through the complicated process alone.
Why Hire a Traffic Lawyer?
As previously stated, hiring a traffic lawyer can improve your chances of winning in court if you are caught making an improper turn. Fighting a ticket alone is time-consuming and requires relevant knowledge and experience to achieve positive results in court. Therefore, working with a professional lawyer like XPolice is highly recommended to avoid frustrating outcomes.
Learn more about improper turns and the penalties you can face.
Turning at intersections
141 (1) In this section, “centre line” means,
(a) in the case of a highway on which traffic is permitted to move in opposing directions, the marked line or median that divides traffic moving in opposing directions on the highway or, where there is no marked line or median, the centre of the roadway, and
(b) in the case of a highway designated for the use of one-way traffic, the left curb or edge of the roadway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (1).
Right Turn at Intersection
(2) Where a driver or operator of a vehicle intends to turn to the right into an intersecting highway, he or she shall, where the highway on which he or she is driving has marked lanes for traffic, approach the intersection within the right-hand lane or, where it has no such marked lanes, by keeping immediately to the left of the right curb or edge of the roadway and he or she shall make the right turn by entering the right-hand lane of the intersecting highway where the lane is marked or, where no such lane is marked, by keeping immediately to the left of the right curb or edge of the roadway being entered. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (2).
Right turn, where multiple lanes
(3) Despite subsection (2), where more than one lane of a highway has been designated as a right-turn lane, the driver or operator of a vehicle intending to turn to the right into an intersecting highway shall approach the intersection in one of the lanes and leave the intersection in the lane of the intersecting highway that corresponds to the lane from which the turn was commenced. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (3).
Exception
(4) A driver of a road service vehicle entering an intersection within a lane other than one described in subsection (2) or (3) may make a right turn from the approach lane if the turn can be safely made. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (4).
Left Turn, Across Path of Approaching Vehicle
(5) No driver or operator of a vehicle in an intersection shall turn left across the path of a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction unless he or she has afforded a reasonable opportunity to the driver or operator of the approaching vehicle to avoid a collision. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (5).
Left turn, at Intersection
(6) Where a driver or operator of a vehicle intends to turn to the left into an intersecting highway, he or she shall, where the highway on which he or she is driving has marked lanes for traffic, approach the intersection within the left-hand lane provided for the use of traffic moving in the direction in which his or her vehicle is proceeding or, where it has no such marked lanes, by keeping immediately to the right of the centre line of the highway and he or she shall make the left turn by entering the intersection to the right of the centre line or its extension and by leaving the intersection in the left-hand lane provided for the use of traffic moving in the direction in which his or her vehicle is proceeding where the lane is marked or, where no such lane is marked, by passing immediately to the right of the centre line of the intersecting highway. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (6).
Left Turn, where Multiple Lanes
(7) Despite subsection (6), where more than one lane of a highway has been designated as a left-turn lane, the driver or operator of a vehicle intending to turn to the left into an intersecting highway shall approach the intersection in one of the lanes and leave the intersection in the lane of the intersecting highway that corresponds to the lane from which the turn was commenced. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (7).
Exception
(8) A driver of a road service vehicle entering an intersection within a left-turn lane may leave the intersection without turning to the left if the movement can be safely made. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (8).
Long Vehicles
(9) Where, because of the length of a vehicle or combination of vehicles, a turn cannot be made within the confines of the lanes referred to in subsection (2), (3), (6) or (7), a driver, when making such a turn, is not in contravention of any such subsection if he or she complies with the applicable provision as closely as practicable. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 141 (9).