3-Point Turns Are U-Turns, Says Police And Courts

Many drivers know the difference between a U-turn and a 3-point turn, but it turns out that each have some similarities.

A man from Brampton, Michael Robinson, executed a three-point turn on Sunforest Drive when he was pulled over by a Peel Regional Officer for disobeying a "No U-turn" sign, and was given a ticket.

This raises the question, Is a three-point turn also a U-turn? The police and the courts say, yes.

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act intentionally does not define a U-turn, in order to allow "liberal interpretation of your behaviour. If it's too clearly defined, people can then create a conduct that may not fit the definition and get off free," says Jordan Donich, a traffic lawyer.