So what does this mean? Basically, you cannot make a U-turn in New York City if there are nearby commercial building such as hotels, banks or stores. If you get a ticket for illegal turn in NYC, check the area. If it is not-commercial, take a bunch of photos (including some that show the nearest street signs) and use them to try and beat such a ticket.
There are three other types of illegal U-turns in New York. These violations are state-wide. Under Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1161, a motorist may not make a U-turn upon any curve, or upon the approach to, or near the crest of a grade, where such motor vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other motor vehicle approaching from either direction within five hundred feet. In other words, only make U-turns in areas where you can be sufficiently seen by approaching cars.
Next, Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1160, restricts how one may make a U-turn. Specifically, its states: “U-turns shall be made from and to that portion of the highway nearest the marked centerline. Where more than one lane of a highway has been designated for left turns, U-turns shall be made only from the lane so designated that is adjacent to the marked centerline.” I have trouble with this one as it’s impossible for vehicles with limited turn radii to complete such a turn. Fortunately, we do not see many tickets issued for this type of U-turn violation.
Finally, Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1110(a) prohibits any motorist from disobeying any traffic control device such as a sign or pavement marking. Therefore, before making a U-turn, always check for any signs (such as the ones above) which prohibit such a maneuver.
All the above U-turn violations carry 2 points and roughly a $150 fine. More importantly, because a U-turn potentially requires you to cross in front of on-coming traffic, always be extra careful when make such a turn.