CVC 22103Eligible for written declaration

Illegal U-Turn in Residential District

Making a U-turn in a residence district when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection where the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

Reviewed by the TicketClear teamLast reviewed October 10, 2026

Fine: $234DMV Points: 1🏫 Traffic school may be available

Insurance: insurers must weigh your driving safety record first (Insurance Code 1861.02(a)), and more than one violation point counted under Vehicle Code 12810(a) to (d), (f), (i)(1) or (j) in the previous three years ends Good Driver Discount eligibility (Insurance Code 1861.025(b)(1)).

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 Illegal U-Turn in Residential District ticket?

CVC 22103 says no person in a residence district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

Ask your insurer how a conviction affects your policy.

What the Law Says

No person in a residence district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

What the Officer Must Prove

1You were in a residence district
2You made a U-turn
3Another vehicle was approaching from either direction within 200 feet
4You were not at an intersection where the approaching vehicle was controlled by an official traffic control device

Arguments Commonly Raised for Illegal U-Turn in Residential District

General information: arguments drivers commonly raise for this code section. Whether any applies depends on your own facts.

No vehicle within 200 feet

CVC 22103 applies when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet. Describe where other vehicles were.

Intersection with a traffic control device

The section does not apply at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device. Describe the intersection and its signs or signals.

Not a residence district

The section applies in a residence district. Describe the area.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

✗Leaving out where other vehicles were when you turned
✗Not photographing the street and any signs or signals

What this code section covers (general information)

CVC 22103 — Illegal U-Turn in Residential District. Making a U-turn in a residence district when another vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection where the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

This is a fixed-rule section: it describes a specific act or limit. The question is whether the facts show that act: what happened, where, and how it was observed or measured.

Eligible for Trial by Written Declaration: generally yes.

This is general information about CVC 22103. It is not advice about your citation, and TicketClear does not evaluate anyone's facts. Whether any of it applies depends on your own facts. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed California attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illegal U-Turn in Residential District

When is a U-turn in a residence district prohibited?▼

CVC 22103 prohibits it when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.

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Traffic School Option

A conviction adds 1 DMV point. The court may let you complete traffic school. If it is the only ticket you have done traffic school for in 18 months, the record is kept confidential and no point is counted (Vehicle Code 1808.7(a)). Traffic school is not available for a violation in a commercial motor vehicle (Vehicle Code 42005(c)(1)). If you hold a commercial driver license, the record is not kept confidential (Vehicle Code 1808.7(b)). Check your notice or your court's website for your options.

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CVC 22102 CVC 22107 CVC 22101(d)