Disobeying Turn Restriction
Making a turn at an intersection where that turn is prohibited by an official sign.
Stays on record 3 years
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.
What is a Disobeying Turn Restriction ticket?
This ticket is for making a turn where signs clearly prohibit it, such as a 'No Left Turn' or 'No U-Turn' sign. You're being cited because you made a turn that was specifically restricted by posted traffic control devices at that intersection or location.
This violation costs approximately $238 to $350 after court fees and adds 1 point to your DMV record. That point stays on your record for 3 years and can increase your auto insurance rates by 15-25%, potentially costing you hundreds of dollars over time.
One point on your record typically increases insurance premiums by 15-25% for three years. For an average California driver, this could mean $300-$600 in extra premiums over that period, on top of the original fine.
What the Law Says
When official traffic control devices are placed as required restricting certain turns, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the restrictions.
What the Officer Must Prove
- 1An official traffic control device restricting the specific turn was posted at the location
- 2The sign was visible and properly maintained at the time of the alleged violation
- 3You, the driver, actually made the prohibited turn
- 4The turn restriction was in effect at the time (if time-specific)
How Drivers Get This Ticket
A driver turns left at an intersection despite a 'No Left Turn 4PM-7PM' sign because they didn't notice the time restriction during rush hour.
Ticket issued; driver may contest if they can prove the time-specific portion of the sign was obscured or illegible.
A driver makes a U-turn at an intersection where a 'No U-Turn' sign is partially covered by overgrown tree branches.
Strong defense case if photos show the sign was genuinely obstructed from the driver's line of sight.
A driver follows GPS instructions to turn right but misses a 'No Right Turn' sign that was behind a large delivery truck at the time.
Temporary obstructions are harder to prove, but dashcam footage showing the obstruction could support a defense.
Common Defenses for Disobeying Turn Restriction
These are the defense arguments that appear most often in successful Trial by Written Declarations for this violation.
Sign was not visible or obstructed
If the turn restriction sign was blocked by vegetation, parked vehicles, other signs, or structures, you may not have received adequate notice of the restriction. Photos documenting the obstruction are essential.
Sign was faded, damaged, or missing
Traffic control devices must be maintained in legible condition under California standards. A sign that's severely faded, vandalized, or missing entirely fails to provide proper notice to drivers.
Sign was not properly posted per Caltrans standards
California has specific requirements for sign placement, height, and visibility. If the sign wasn't installed according to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, this may be a valid defense.
Construction or detour caused reasonable confusion
If road work, temporary barriers, or conflicting detour signs created confusion about which turns were permitted, this context may explain why you made the turn in good faith.
Emergency circumstances required the turn
If you made the prohibited turn to avoid a collision, emergency vehicle, or other immediate safety hazard, this necessity may justify your actions.
How to Address This in Your Declaration
- ✓Photos showing the sign was obstructed, faded, damaged, or missing
- ✓Photos taken from the driver's perspective approaching the intersection
- ✓Dashcam footage from the time of the incident
- ✓Google Street View images showing sign condition or obstructions
- ✓Documentation of any road construction or detours in effect that day
- ✓Witness statements confirming sign visibility issues
- ✓Measurements showing sign placement didn't meet Caltrans standards
⚠️ What NOT to Do
- ✗Don't claim you simply didn't see a clearly visible, properly posted sign — inattention isn't a legal defense
- ✗Don't wait too long to photograph sign conditions, as obstructions may be cleared or signs may be replaced
- ✗Don't argue the turn restriction is 'unnecessary' — only the sign's visibility or posting matters
- ✗Don't miss your court deadline; you'll lose the right to contest and may face additional penalties
- ✗Don't admit to the officer that you saw the sign but chose to ignore it
Get a personalized summary
Optionally describe your situation — road conditions, time of day, officer position — and get a tailored document preparation overview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disobeying Turn Restriction
What if the no-turn sign only applies during certain hours and I turned outside those hours?▼
If the sign specifies restricted hours and you turned outside those times, you haven't violated the restriction. Your defense should include evidence of the exact time of the alleged violation compared to the posted hours.
Can I fight this ticket if my GPS told me to make that turn?▼
Following GPS directions is not a legal defense for disobeying posted signs. However, if GPS confusion combined with other factors like poor sign visibility contributed to the situation, those other factors may still be valid defenses.
What if the sign was there but I genuinely couldn't see it from my lane?▼
This can be a valid defense. Signs must be positioned to be visible to drivers who need to obey them. Photograph the intersection from your lane to document limited visibility.
Does it matter that other cars also made the same turn?▼
Other drivers' behavior doesn't excuse a violation, but it may support your argument that the sign was inadequate or confusing if multiple reasonable drivers missed it.
Will this ticket affect my commercial driver's license?▼
Yes, moving violations impact CDL holders more severely. You cannot mask points with traffic school on a commercial license, and accumulating points can jeopardize your CDL status.
Traffic School Option
Most drivers cited for CVC 22101(d) qualify for traffic school if they haven't attended in the past 18 months and don't hold a commercial license. Completing traffic school masks the point from your insurance company, though you'll still pay the fine.
Ready to prepare your defense documents?
Upload your citation and TicketClear generates a personalized Trial by Written Declaration based on your specific situation. Starting at $49.99.
Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.
Related Violations
This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. TicketClear is a self-help document preparation service — we are not attorneys and do not represent clients. Review all prepared documents carefully before submitting. Fine amounts are estimates and vary by county and surcharge schedule.