New Wisconsin Law Pertaining to U-Turns

With the New Year upon us, it is important to mention a new change in traffic law. Beginning on January 1, 2010, Wisconsin Act 97 permits U-turns at controlled intersections where signs prohibiting U-turns are not installed. A controlled intersection means any intersection that is controlled by traffic control signals or by a traffic officer. There are important guidelines to follow when making a legal U-turn from a controlled intersection.

1)      U-turns will have to be made from the leftmost turn lane.

2)      Vehicles on the intersection street attempting to turn right on a red light must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle making the U-turn.

3)      No backing will be permitted as a part of the U-turn; therefore, drivers must be familiar with their vehicle’s turning radius prior to initiating the U-turn.

4)      U-turns will be prohibited on curves and hillcrests where visibility is less than 500 feet.

Although making U-turns at controlled intersections where there is no sign prohibiting the U-turn is legal, other options should be considered as U-turns within busy intersections may not be the safest choice. Remember, getting to your destination safely is always the number one priority.