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7 Critical Places Where U-Turns Are ILLEGAL In Oregon: Don't Get A Ticket!

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Navigating the roadways in Oregon requires more than just knowing your destination; it demands a clear understanding of the state's specific traffic laws, especially for maneuvers like the U-turn. As of December 25, 2025, the legality of making a U-turn in the Beaver State is not a simple "yes" or "no," but rather a set of rules defined by where you are and what the traffic controls indicate. The core of the law, Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 811.365, establishes that U-turns are generally prohibited in specific, high-risk locations, making the act illegal unless those specific conditions are not present or a sign explicitly permits it.

The confusion surrounding this common driving maneuver stems from the fact that the Oregon Driver Manual often emphasizes the prohibitions, leading many drivers to believe they are almost never legal. However, understanding the exact statutory prohibitions is the key to driving safely and avoiding a costly Class C traffic violation. This guide breaks down the definitive rules, the exceptions, and the specific locations where turning your vehicle to proceed in the opposite direction will result in an illegal U-turn citation.

The Definitive Oregon U-Turn Law: ORS 811.365 Explained

The governing statute for turning your vehicle to proceed in the opposite direction is ORS 811.365, titled "Illegal U-turn; penalty." This statute doesn't list where U-turns are *legal*, but rather where they are *illegal*. The general principle is that if you are not in one of the prohibited locations, and the turn can be completed safely without interfering with traffic, it is generally permissible.

The law is designed to prevent dangerous situations where a driver turns back on themselves, often catching other motorists off guard. To comply with Oregon law, you must always ensure the turn can be made without hazard and without impeding the flow of traffic. The following list details the most common and critical locations where a U-turn is strictly forbidden in Oregon, according to the Driver Manual and state statutes.

7 Places Where Making a U-Turn Will Get You a Ticket in Oregon

To avoid a citation for an illegal U-turn, you must be aware of the following seven prohibited scenarios. These are the locations and conditions where ORS 811.365 is most frequently enforced:

  1. At Intersections Controlled by a Traffic Signal: This is the most common prohibition. You are not allowed to make a U-turn at any intersection that is controlled by a traffic light (signal), unless there is a specific sign posted that explicitly permits the U-turn. Always look for a sign that says "U-Turn Permitted" or similar guidance.
  2. Between Intersections Within a City: If you are driving on a street inside any city limits in Oregon (such as Portland, Salem, Eugene, or Bend), you are prohibited from making a U-turn between intersections. This is a critical point that catches many drivers off guard, as it restricts U-turns on most city blocks.
  3. Where Visibility is Impaired (Hills and Curves): U-turns are forbidden at any location where your vehicle cannot be seen by approaching traffic from either direction for a distance of 500 feet. This typically includes the crest of a hill or on a curve, as the maneuver creates an extreme hazard due to limited sight distance.
  4. Where a Sign Explicitly Prohibits It: Even in areas that might otherwise be legal (like a residential street), if a sign is posted that reads "No U-Turn," you must obey the sign. Local jurisdictions have the authority to post these signs based on traffic engineering studies.
  5. On a Freeway or Interstate Highway: U-turns are universally prohibited on any controlled-access highway, including all Oregon freeways and interstates (I-5, I-84, etc.). This rule is in place for obvious safety reasons due to high speeds.
  6. When it Interferes with Traffic: Even if you are in a technically legal location, the turn must be made safely. If making the U-turn interferes with the movement of other traffic, it is considered an illegal U-turn. The law requires you to yield to all oncoming traffic.
  7. In Front of a Fire Station or Emergency Entrance: While not always explicitly listed, U-turns are generally prohibited near emergency access points to ensure fire trucks and ambulances have clear, unobstructed routes.

Understanding the Gray Areas: Residential Streets and Center Left-Turn Lanes

Many drivers are confused about U-turns in specific street configurations. Knowing the rules for these common scenarios can save you a ticket.

U-Turns in Residential Areas

U-turns in residential areas are often considered a legal exception to the "between intersections in a city" rule, provided you are not on a major thoroughfare. The key is safety: A U-turn in a residential area is generally permissible as long as no oncoming traffic is present and you can complete the maneuver safely and legally. Always ensure you have sufficient space and visibility.

The Center Left-Turn Lane (Two-Way Left Turn Lane)

The use of a center left-turn lane (the striped lane in the middle of a street) for a U-turn is a frequent point of confusion. Oregon law (ORS 811.365) does not explicitly prohibit a U-turn from this lane. However, the general prohibition of U-turns "between intersections in a city" still applies. Therefore, if you are in a city, using the center lane to make a U-turn between two intersections is likely illegal. If you are in a rural area or a location where the "in a city" rule does not apply, a U-turn from a center left-turn lane might be permissible, provided it is done safely and does not impede traffic. The safest practice is to treat the center left-turn lane as a staging area for a left turn, not a U-turn.

U-Turns Across a Double Yellow Line

Contrary to popular belief in some states, crossing a double yellow line to make a U-turn is not automatically illegal in Oregon. The rule for double yellow lines is that you cannot drive on the left side of them. For a U-turn, you are crossing the lines, which is permitted, as long as the turn is safe, there are no signs prohibiting it, and you are not in one of the other prohibited locations (like at a traffic signal).

Penalties and Consequences of an Illegal U-Turn in Oregon

Committing the offense of an illegal U-turn under ORS 811.365 is classified as a Class C traffic violation.

The financial penalty for a Class C violation can vary depending on the specific county or municipality, but the presumptive fine can be substantial. For example, some jurisdictions set the base fine for an illegal U-turn at approximately $249.00. The fine amount can increase significantly—sometimes up to $500—if the illegal U-turn contributes to or causes an accident.

Beyond the immediate financial cost, an illegal U-turn is considered a moving violation. This means it will typically result in points being added to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums. If you accumulate too many points, your driver's license could be suspended or revoked, making adherence to the law essential for maintaining your driving privileges and your budget.

Conclusion: The Golden Rule for U-Turns in Oregon

The definitive answer to "Are U-turns legal in Oregon?" is: Yes, but only where not specifically prohibited and only when safe. The most critical takeaway is to remember the three main "No-Go" zones:

  1. No U-turn at a traffic signal (unless signed otherwise).
  2. No U-turn between intersections in a city.
  3. No U-turn where visibility is less than 500 feet.

When in doubt, it is always safer and more cost-effective to drive to the next legal intersection and make three right turns (or a legal left turn) than to risk a Class C traffic violation and potentially cause an accident. Always prioritize safety and yield to all other traffic before attempting to turn around.

7 Critical Places Where U-Turns Are ILLEGAL in Oregon: Don't Get a Ticket!
are u turns legal in oregon
are u turns legal in oregon

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