The driver is driving east on Highway A and wants to turn left north on Highway B, but no left turns are permitted at the intersection. When the driver crosses the intersection and takes advantage of the bend, he approaches the fixed red light and changes to the left to red if traffic permits. The driver then drives west on Highway A and turns right north onto Highway B. The legality of the U-turn depends on the driver`s compliance with other aspects of the law when executing the manoeuvre. For the purposes of this analysis, U-turns do not include roundabouts or a turning lane on a shared highway (commonly referred to as “Michigan Left”). Here are the aspects of Michigan law that affect U-turns: Answer: It depends. When preparing for a left turn, a driver can travel a “reasonable” distance in the middle turn lane. Cities, towns and/or municipalities may prohibit them if they have adopted Rule 434 of the Uniform Highway Traffic Act, which states that “the driver of a vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so that it is travelling in the opposite direction on a highway in a business district and may not turn a vehicle on another highway unless the movement can be made safely and without affect traffic.” (See R 28.1434) Answer: MCL 257.648 says in part: “The driver. must first ensure that the stop or turn from a direct line can be made safely and, if necessary, give a signal … ». Common sense and state law agree that a signal is necessary when cornering, however, there has been much debate about whether this language requires the use of turn signals when simply changing lanes. But when it comes to traditional U-turns — 180-degree turns used to quickly turn the tide on a road not divided by a median — Michigan law says a lot by saying very little. If the road has 2 or more lanes in one direction, the vehicles must be in the far right lane.
If all lanes are occupied by vehicles travelling in largely continuous lanes, a driver can use any available lane. A driver can also use the left lane for a reasonable route when preparing to turn left. Unless marked as a multi-lane intersection with lane markings and signs, a Michigan left should be considered a one-lane central intersection. While some intersections may seem wide enough to accommodate multiple passenger cars side by side, this extra space is actually there to accommodate larger vehicles such as tractor-trailers and RVs that require a larger turning radius. Regardless of its physical width, an unmarked central intersection should always be treated as a single-lane intersection. While nothing in Michigan law specifically prohibits a U-turn, Church described some circumstances that could prevent the lawful execution of the exercise. The Michigan State Police is of the opinion that a U-turn is legal in Michigan as long as it can be done: (1) safe; (2) not carelessly or recklessly; (3) take into account other vehicles with right of way; and (4) without violating any local ordinance prohibiting them. Question: Can anyone tell me what Michigan`s laws are for riding pocket bikes? A: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently began replacing the old flashing red signals for left-turn lanes at intersections with a new type of four-light signal. That`s what MDOT says about the new signals. “These lights are a flashing yellow arrow that allows you to turn left when oncoming traffic is free (oncoming traffic has a green light), a constant green arrow allows you to turn left, a fixed yellow arrow warns that the left turn signal turns red and you must be ready to stop, and a constant red arrow that prompts you to stop. The constant red arrow is followed by a flashing yellow arrow in the next cycle.
Although U-curves are legal under Michigan law, you could get a ticket for: (1) disobeying a sign prohibiting U-curves (MCL 257,611(1)); (2) speeding (MCL 257.627(1)); (3) reckless driving (MCL 257.626); (4) reckless or negligent conduct (MCL 257.626b); (5) obstruction of traffic (MCL 257.676b(1)); and/or (6) a phrase that is not “secure” (MCL 257.648(1)). The driver is driving east on road A and wants to turn left on road C. If the driver enters the curve and stops at a red light throughout, he cannot drive straight (north) on road C until the signal has turned green. Conclusion: U-turns are legal if there are no motorists nearby or if signs indicate otherwise. However, they can be a risky maneuver, and caution is advised. Michigan school zone speed limit laws require drivers to reduce their speed e.g. muc.
