U-turns often permitted, but not when sign says no

Q

I’m noticing more drivers treating “No UTurn” signs as suggestions. It seems to be in the same mindset that has some folks leaning on the horn when the car in front of them doesn’t turn right on a red arrow. — G. Throne, Pleasant Hill

A

I’m noticing more and more drivers irate about folks making U-turns to beat backups. As well as others not sure about what the laws say about U-turns.

Q

Alameda County did a great job putting in a left turn for those getting off Eden Canyon Road in Castro Valley and heading east along the side road. For a while those of us who wanted to go straight were not blocked by traffic off the freeway or using the shoulder to make a right onto Castro Valley Boulevard.

However, there are now drivers making a left turn getting off the off-ramp, then an illegal U-turn under the freeway. This cause a dangerous situation for us going straight and not expecting someone to make a U-turn heading in the opposite direction. Would you please let the CHP know about this? — Catherine Wong, Castro Valley

A

Will do, but you should know that this is legal if done safely. There are no signs banning U-turns, only a single yellow line. It’s illegal when there are two sets of double yellow lines. You may make a legal U-turn:

• Across a double yellow line when it is safe and legal.

• In a residential district if there are no vehicles approaching within 200 feet.

• Whenever a traffic sign, light or traffic signal light protects you from approaching vehicles.

• On a divided highway if an opening is provided in the center divider.

• But U-turns are illegal at or on a railroad crossing, onto a oneway street, in front of a fire station and in business districts. Churches, apartments, multifamily housing units and public buildings are considered to be business districts.

Q

I’m at a red light. I stop for a right, but the left turners get the arrow. Do they have the right of way in front of me, or only for the left turn, not a U-turn? — Ryan Paaz, San Jose

A

These U-turners have the right of way since they are turning on a green light. Your red light means you cannot turn until they have turned.

Q

Are there are plans to fix the westbound lane of Highway 4 between Somersville and Loveridge roads, where there is a bone-jarring dip in the highway about halfway between those two roads? — Tom Smith

A

Yep. Caltrans has made some temporary repairs and a permanent fix should come in a couple of months. It had to wait for emergency funds. In the meantime Caltrans posted a message board to alert travelers to the dip in the lane.