Illegal U-turns are a fast way to pick up a $200 fine in Australia, and in some states the penalty can be higher once local schedules and demerit points are included. The baseline rule is simple: only make a U-turn where it is clearly permitted, signed, and safe, and never across a continuous line or at a signal unless a marked U-turn lane or sign says otherwise.
What counts as an illegal U‑turn
A U-turn is illegal when it conflicts with road markings, traffic signals, or signage that prohibits turning. Common breaches include turning across a solid centre line, performing a U-turn at an intersection with a “No U-Turn” sign, or attempting a U-turn at traffic lights where no U-turn is signed. It is also unlawful to turn if the movement endangers or obstructs traffic, even in places where U-turns are normally allowed.
- Turning across a continuous single or double line is prohibited, regardless of convenience.
- U-turns at signals are banned unless a “U-Turn Permitted” sign or a designated U-turn bay is present.
- Signs such as “No U-Turn,” “No Right Turn,” or “No Turning” at intersections must be obeyed.
- U-turns that force oncoming traffic to brake or swerve are considered unsafe and illegal.
The $200 fine and state differences
A $200 fine is a common reference point used for illegal U-turn offences, but actual amounts vary by state and can be indexed annually. On top of the monetary penalty, expect demerit points to apply in most jurisdictions. In school zones, active roadworks, or high-risk corridors, penalties may be elevated, and double demerits can apply on designated holiday periods in some states.
- Base penalties typically sit around the $200 mark for standard illegal U-turns.
- Demerit points often range from 2 to 3 for unsafe or prohibited U-turns.
- Higher penalties can apply at traffic lights, in school zones, or where heavy vehicle restrictions apply.
Where U‑turns are allowed
U-turns may be made at intersections without signals if there is no sign prohibiting the manoeuvre and sight lines are clear. On multilane roads, U-turns should be executed from the rightmost lane or a signed U-turn bay. Drivers must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and must not impede vehicles that have right of way.
- Look for signs specifically permitting U-turns at signals before turning.
- Use marked U-turn bays wherever provided for a safer turning arc.
- Ensure visibility in both directions and check mirrors and blind spots carefully.
Rules at traffic lights
Signals are a frequent trap. Unless a sign explicitly permits a U-turn, do not turn at a set of lights. Even where permitted, complete the turn only on a green signal phase that applies to the movement, take the widest safe path, and avoid blocking pedestrian crossings. Red light camera enforcement often captures illegal U-turns that breach the signal or failing-to-give-way requirements.
- Only turn on a green signal when a “U-Turn Permitted” sign is present.
- Never cross stop lines or enter a pedestrian crossing area to set up a turn.
- If a dedicated U-turn lane is marked, use it and follow its signal arrows.
Markings, medians, and lanes
Road markings carry the same force as signs. Solid lines, painted islands, and striped medians typically ban turning movements across them. Where a median opening is provided, ensure it is lawful to use for U-turns; some openings are emergency or service access only. On divided roads, do not swing across multiple lanes abruptly; signal well in advance and complete the turn without reversing or stopping in live lanes.
- Do not cut across painted islands or hatched areas to create a turning path.
- Use median breaks only where general traffic is allowed to turn.
- Keep the turning radius controlled to stay within lane boundaries on exit.
Giving way and pedestrian priority
A legal U-turn can still be fined if it is performed without giving way. Drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians already on the road or crossing. If visibility is compromised by parked vehicles, curves, or weather, postpone the manoeuvre until a safer location is available. Failing to give way often results in demerit points in addition to the fine and can escalate if it contributes to a collision.
- Yield to all traffic with right of way, including bicycles and buses.
- Check both directions for pedestrians before committing to the turn.
- Abort the turn if a gap closes or a pedestrian steps off the kerb.
Common mistakes that trigger fines
Most illegal U-turn fines come from quick, convenience-based decisions rather than deliberate risk-taking. Turning back after missing a driveway, reacting to congestion, or using a break in a queue are frequent triggers. Another common error is mistaking a permissive right turn sign for U-turn permission; these are not interchangeable. In high-enforcement corridors, ANPR and roadside cameras frequently detect prohibited U-turns.
- Confusing “No Right Turn” changes with U-turn rules leads to wrong assumptions.
- Using service road openings or emergency bays for U-turns invites enforcement.
- Reversing mid-turn or blocking an intersection increases penalty risk.
How to avoid the $200 hit
Plan turns using navigation that highlights legal U-turn bays or next safe turn points. If a mistake is made, continue to the next legal place to turn rather than improvising. Keep signals on for at least three seconds before the turn, scan continuously, and complete the manoeuvre in one smooth movement. When in doubt, a right turn at the next intersection followed by another right is typically safer and lawful.
- Use signed U-turn bays where available and obey all prohibitions.
- Never assume a U-turn is allowed at traffic lights without explicit signage.
- Respect solid lines, medians, and painted islands; do not cross them to turn.
Bottom line
A $200 illegal U-turn fine is avoidable with disciplined observation of signs, markings, and signal rules, plus proper gap selection and pedestrian priority. Treat U-turns as a controlled, planned manoeuvre rather than a convenience shortcut, and use designated bays or the next legal intersection to turn around safely.