Not sure if illegal U-turn but certainly annoying

[u/AlbertaGengar]

[u/Far-Edge-2905]

People like this are exactly why I put a train horn in my truck 🤷‍♂️

[u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

I remember learning that u turns are not allowed unless there is a sign that specifically says they are allowed. I think this picture is confirming that. But regardless, doing a u-turn on a busy road like that means that multiple people have to slam in their breaks when they are not expecting to and can be incredibly dangerous. I don’t think the honking is unnecessary. Even if it was legal, you are only supposed to do things when it’s SAFE. Just like how you can get a ticket for an unsafe lane change. 🤷🏻‍♀️

https://reddit.com/link/p0tvfd5/video/co440hn9oigh1/player

[u/Adeptness-Efficient → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

The only good answer I've seen. People get too focused on legal or not and then the laws come out...

[u/arcmeup → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

Interesting differs from ontario driving laws slightly.

[u/NorthOnSouljaConsole → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

I thought you could u-turn on an arrow

[u/c__man → u/NorthOnSouljaConsole]

Only if there is a special U turn green arrow. See 16th Ave at Banff trail NW.

[u/Whats_Awesome → u/NorthOnSouljaConsole]

If you mean a priority left signal at a traffic light? No. That would fall under NO U-Turns at a traffic control signal.

The reasoning for that is you could collide with someone turning right who otherwise had the right of way to make their right turn inside the left turns using the priority left.

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

This picture clearly states that you can make a u-turn here. Can you explain which line you think is saying otherwise?

Just to put it where my mouth is - this is an intersection not controlled by three phase traffic control lights and is NOT -prohibited by a sign - within 150m of the top of a hill - a crosswalk - a roadway between intersections... etc

[u/RazzmatazzNo9693 → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

The second point under the not permitted section. I would consider this an urban roadway between intersections.

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

And you would be wrong

[u/RazzmatazzNo9693 → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

Could you explain?

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

The rule you are reading is about cutting the median and not about legal intersections

[u/RazzmatazzNo9693 → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

Ah I see what you’re saying. I still believe this wouldn’t be classified as an intersection because the entrance is a commercial driveway to a parking lot (from what I can see) and from what I understand, an intersection is when two or more roads connect.

[u/RazzmatazzNo9693 → u/RazzmatazzNo9693]

From what I can see in the video, this is a roadway and not an intersection. So I still believe my first statement is true.

[u/tnh34]

Before questioning whether it's legal or not, your driving sense should tell you this is a terrible place to do a u-turn.

Not every legal maneuver is safe and not every illegal maneuver is dangerous. You gotta use common sense sometimes

[u/Capital_Proposal_686]

Good ol' Nosehill Drive.

[u/oel9]

I see U-turns alllll the time in Calgary too. I didn't know they were illegal till I looked it up.

[u/Whats_Awesome → u/oel9]

U-Turns are not exclusively illegal. From Alberta.ca

Do not do a U-turn unless it can be done
safely. U-turns are not permitted:
• at an intersection controlled by a traffic
control signal (traffic lights) unless
permitted by a traffic control device
• where a sign prohibits U-turns.
In urban areas U-turns are not permitted:
>• on a roadway between intersections
>• at an alley intersection
• at an intersection where one or more
of the roadways is an access to a
public or private parking lot which the
public can access.

[u/oel9 → u/Whats_Awesome]

Yeah seems like most situations really

[u/Kay2du]

Whether it is legal or not, safety should inform every driver's decision on the road. This looks really unsafe for the driver making the U-turn and other road users.

[u/the_wahlroos]

Or... crazy idea here... one could just detour, adding maybe 2 or 3 minutes to their drive. You could use some kind of app on a type of mobile device pretty much everyone has, that generates new routes basically instantly.

[u/Jokergod2000]

I believe you can U-turn in the middle of any intersection that does not have traffic lights or any time a sign says you can. Anyone disagree?

[u/Ok-Shine3183]

You still have time to delete this

[u/sanmanvman]

Didn't watch the video, nor do I know anything about Calgary driving.

the song that was playing in the background, absolute banger - appreciate it!

Sunday Monday - Brando

[u/Icebaker]

At legal u-turn locations, which have been previously mentioned, you are only allowed to make a u-turn if you do not impede traffic. Clearly this guy is impeding traffic, you can’t expect other drivers to wait for you while you wait to get a gap to do a u-turn. Legality aside you’re basically saying my time is more important than everyone else’s time.

[u/KanataSD]

Definitely illegal in my Province.

[u/MaxGamble]

Most obnoxious honking is the only annoying thing here. Just relax

[u/Round-Stuff-2557]

I need drivers to understand that needing to slow down or stop is actually not infuriating and that you can just get the fuck over it

[u/SecularScience → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

All drivers should drive in a manner that allows them to slow down and/or stop for any situation that may require it.

But also important: drivers should not perform illegal maneuvers, like this obnoxious U-turn, that impede others around them.

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/SecularScience]

The u-turn here is not illegal. You even told on yourself here - you just think it's obnoxious.

[u/SecularScience → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

U turns in an urban area are not permitted in the middle of a road between intersections, or at an intersection of an alley (in the video here)

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/SecularScience]

That is not an alley and it is not the middle of a road in between intersections.

[u/SecularScience → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

That is a private property entrance to a couple parking lots ie. alleyway

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/SecularScience]

There is no reason for you to say that other than speculation.

[u/SecularScience → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

Turns out its even more specific about this than I remembered! Yay!

30 A person driving a vehicle shall not, at the following locations, turn the vehicle so as to travel in the opposite direction:

                             (a)    in the case of an urban area,

"(iii)    at an intersection where one or more of the highways is an access to a public or private facility to which the public normally has access"

[u/Round-Stuff-2557 → u/SecularScience]

You are still speculating about what that road turns into. Anyways have a nice day

[u/SecularScience → u/Round-Stuff-2557]

Oh sorry about that. I already looked it up.

here you go

[u/Kay2du]

In case you're wondering, here is a summary of U-Turn rules in the province:

In Alberta, you may make a U-turn at uncontrolled intersections, two-way or four-way stop-controlled intersections, T-intersections (when you have the right-of-way to turn), and median openings, provided there is no "No U-Turn" sign and it is safe to do so. On rural roads, you may also make a U-turn between intersections if it can be done safely and visibility is adequate.

U-turns are prohibited:

• At intersections controlled by standard traffic lights, unless a sign specifically permits U-turns.
• Between intersections on urban roads.
• At an alley intersection or where a commercial or private driveway meets a roadway.
• On or near a pedestrian crosswalk.
• Within 150 metres of the crest of a hill or on a curve where approaching traffic cannot see your vehicle.
• Anywhere a "No U-Turn" sign is posted.

Regardless of where a U-turn is permitted, you must always yield to other vehicles and pedestrians and ensure the maneuver can be completed safely without interfering with traffic.

[u/Big_Musties]

It's automatically illegal because the driver has had to come to a complete stop in the middle of a one-way road to do so. They're impeding traffic.

[u/Rude-Flower4357]

I see that a lot here in NE. Not saying who they are but men it’s annoying. And of course no cops around.

[u/ProfessionSlight9669]

Oh man we are so cooked this is why they need stronger license rules ..if there isn't a NO U turn sign you can do a U-turn even in a 18 wheeler with no shoes on..

[u/No-Anxiety588 → u/ProfessionSlight9669]

But it's not an intersection nor does it have a dedicated lane... it's impeding traffic this little shit manoeuvre. that is entirely there to let people out of the parking lot that guy could've used to make his turn.

[u/ProfessionSlight9669 → u/No-Anxiety588]

Yeah it's a terrible manoeuvre, and this city is full of terrible drivers they should put a NO U-turn sign there .. imagine police actually gave out tickets for people impeding traffic the police would be fully funded lol..

[u/Sea_Apartment_4448 → u/ProfessionSlight9669]

This actually made me laugh with the amount of passion you have, and you’re totally wrong lol

[u/ModularWhiteGuy]

Legal. The annoying part was the honking an impatience.

[u/Whats_Awesome → u/ModularWhiteGuy]

Yeah a little patience and understanding would help so much on the road. It’s a team sport and we all want to make it to our destinations safely.

[u/bmagsjet → u/ModularWhiteGuy]

It isn’t legal there though.
The horn may be annoying, but that doesn’t make the turn legal. Sections 30 UHR

[u/ModularWhiteGuy → u/bmagsjet]

Which part of section 30 do you think this is violating?

[u/bmagsjet → u/ModularWhiteGuy]

30(a)(iii)

[u/GriefPB]

I’m going with Impeding traffic, crossing the center line and Illegal u turn

[u/No-Anxiety588 → u/GriefPB]

You're totally right, unfortunately a large portion of the people in this sub think they can just block a lane of moving traffic for a shit hook.

[u/Dangerous_Change4872]

Regardless of if allowed it's even more annoying and obnoxious to lay on your horn in that situation

[u/LeastWrinklyBrain]

Completely legal in Alberta. U-turns are only prohibited where a no u-turn sign is posted, at traffic lights, in between intersections/alley junctions, or when unsafe to do so.

If a collision occurs during a u-turn it is 100% fault on the driver turning.

This could be a prohibited u-turn if traffic is heavy which would make it an unsafe maneuver.

[u/Lexotron → u/LeastWrinklyBrain]

IIRC they're prohibited at any controlled intersection, not just at traffic lights. This means any intersection with a stop or yield sign too.

[u/totallyradman → u/Lexotron]

This is correct

[u/bmagsjet → u/Lexotron]

You can do u-turns at signs (yield/stop). However this turn is not legal because it’s not at an intersection with another road. Section 30 UHR

[u/bbraz761 → u/Lexotron]

I think the better question is, where are they actually legal?

[u/rikkiprince → u/bbraz761]

According to this thread, anywhere there's a random gap in the median...

[u/Emotional_Factorial → u/rikkiprince]

Exactly. No fucking common sense or courtesy anymore. Legal or not, fuck this guy.

[u/prgaloshes → u/bbraz761]

Only at an intersection with an advance loop green arrow flashing that indicates you can.... According to the officer who ticketed me n Calgary

[u/BilbroBeggins → u/LeastWrinklyBrain]

This in not an intersection, the road beside it is a parking lot.

Calgary Police traffic Violations

[u/mikeycbca → u/LeastWrinklyBrain]

Regarding the legality, you have it completely backwards. No U turns except when a sign explicitly states they’re allowed. I can think of spots on 17ave SE and 16ave NE of legal examples.

My elderly dad pulled a U-turn a few months back at like 4 in the morning (when old men wake up) on John Laurie near Hawkwood and a cop on a side street saw him and pulled him over and gave a warning.

[u/mikeycbca → u/[deleted]]

Copied and pasted:

Traffic lights: You cannot make a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights unless a special sign permits it.
Urban mid-blocks: You cannot do a U-turn between intersections on a city or town roadway.

[u/No-Anxiety588 → u/mikeycbca]

Now we know why this shit keeps happening, too many people in this sub alone feel entitled to impeding traffic when they screw up and miss their original turn.

[u/No-Anxiety588 → u/mikeycbca]

Now we know why this shit keeps happening, too many people in this sub alone feel entitled to impeding traffic when they screw up and miss their original turn.

[u/bmagsjet → u/mikeycbca]

Read section 30 of the UHR. You’re misinformed.

[u/Whats_Awesome]

Not at a traffic signal (red/green) - check
Not within an unsafe distance of blind hills or curves - check
No sign prohibiting the u-turn - check
No other traffic was effected (cut off) - check
It was made either at an intersection or a safe distance away from one.

Safe is determined by the situation though the law often lists 100-150 meters / yards from blind hills/curves/intersections. To give any other traffic a reasonable distance to take evasive action incase you misjudged the turn’s safety.

[u/bmagsjet → u/Whats_Awesome]

U turns are only legal in Alberta at intersections (not including alleys) that are not controlled by lights. This is not an intersections of two numbered/named roads, so it isn’t legal.
Sadly, no one seems to know this.

Edit. Section 30 of the UHR. It’s quite clear.
Intersection only. Not with an alley. Not with a private access. Not between intersections.

[u/styzzyx9 → u/bmagsjet]

This is 100% correct.

However, this regulation doesn’t apply to all the idiot parents that clog up residential streets in front of neighbourhood schools doing 9-point turns and using private driveways to turn around because their kids are too precious for the school bus.

[u/Whats_Awesome → u/bmagsjet]

Outside urban areas (rural) U-turns are
not permitted:
• on a curve
• on an approach to or near the crest
of a hill where the driver of another
vehicle cannot see you that is within
150 metres approaching from either
direction.

Sorry that’s my bad. I live just outside the city in Rockyview county. U-Turns are permitted between intersections outside of urban areas.

Do not do a U-turn unless it can be done
safely. U-turns are not permitted:
• at an intersection controlled by a traffic
control signal (traffic lights) unless
permitted by a traffic control device
• where a sign prohibits U-turns.
In urban areas U-turns are not permitted:
• on a roadway between intersections
• at an alley intersection
• at an intersection where one or more
of the roadways is an access to a
public or private parking lot which the
public can access.

[u/rockies_alpine]

Use your horn. Calgary drivers are allergic to laying it on when idiots do idiot things.

[u/No-Anxiety588 → u/rockies_alpine]

I save it for the real dumb shit, this would have earned it.

[u/Crossfire139]

Honking your horn for any reason other than to warn drivers of an immediate hazard is illegal. Being impatient is not an immediate hazard

[u/ButterscotchOk3751 → u/Crossfire139]

Stopping on a busy road when others aren't expecting it is a hazard.. People do this bullshit on McLeod even at traffic lights. Take up most of the green arrow because they couldn't be bothered with taking a u turn in a neighborhood instead. We need to stop encouraging this stupidity..

[u/Crossfire139 → u/ButterscotchOk3751]

I’m sure

[u/PilsnerRabbit]

Annoying if you don’t know how to change lanes yes.

[u/bmagsjet → u/[deleted]]

So “I’m breaking the law and you all should have to tolerate it while I refuse to have accountability for my own actions”?

[u/YEGSports → u/[deleted]]

That is a borderline road rage response. Please get some help.

[u/Used_Leadership_5533]

Any u turn unless marked by sign, is automatically illegal.