Tag: Traffic Rules

Many drivers know the difference between a U-turn and a 3-point turn, but it turns out that each have some similarities.

A man from Brampton, Michael Robinson, executed a three-point turn on Sunforest Drive when he was pulled over by a Peel Regional Officer for disobeying a “No U-turn” sign, and was given a ticket.

This raises the question, Is a three-point turn also a U-turn? The police and the courts say, yes.

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act intentionally does not define a U-turn, in order to allow “liberal interpretation of your behaviour. If it’s too clearly defined, people can then create a conduct that may not fit the definition and get off free,” says Jordan Donich, a traffic lawyer.

He goes on to say that the driver’s intent to turn around is more important than the manoeuvre itself, so even though a fundamental difference between a three-point turn and a U-turn is that one involves three separate actions compared to a single one, it is not relevant to the overall infraction that occurred. Therefore, a three-point turn for the purposes of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act is not legally distinct from a U-turn, as it is the fact that the vehicle was going in the opposite direction that is the main focus.

Section 143 of the Highway Traffic Act states that a U-turn is a turn “so as to proceed in the opposite direction,” which was what led to Robinson’s charge. On the 18^th of August he was found guilty of disobeying a sign and handed demerit points.

The officer that testified said that he did a U-turn because he didn’t fully leave the roadway during the three-point turn, which the courts agreed with, given the previous explanation of the interpretation of the Highway Traffic Act.

Robinson is still upset with the decision and would’ve continued to fight, but doesn’t possess the time or funds to continue on.

If you require representation please contact the lawyers of Devry Smith Frank LLP at 416-449-1400 .

By: Nicolas Di Nardo

“This article is intended to inform and entertain. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.”