All states have laws that prohibit drivers from making an illegal or improper turn. Common examples of illegal or improper turns are:

• U-turns (when there is a No U-Turn sign)

• Making a right or left turn without first moving to the far right or left lane

• Making a right or left turn when there is a sign at the intersection that prohibits such turns (No Right Turn).

The penalty for making an illegal or improper turn usually includes a fine and points on your driver’s license.

As with many traffic violations, the officer issuing the citation and the prosecutor have significant discretion in determining whether there was a violation of a traffic law and whether the violation constitutes a certain offense, as defined by the state legislature in the traffic code or in a municipal ordinance.

This discretion to issue a ticket or citation and prosecute the charge against the driver is balanced by the discretion of the jury or judge in determining whether the prosecution met its burden of proof sufficient to convict the driver (for a criminal offense) or find the driver responsible (for a civil infraction, violation, or offense).

In Louisiana, as in all states, there are specific laws that govern the legality of turns made by drivers. Illegal or improper turns include executing a U-turn where it is prohibited by signage, turning without moving to the appropriate lane (far right for right turns, far left for left turns), and making turns where signage indicates such turns are not allowed. The penalties for making such illegal or improper turns typically involve a monetary fine and may also result in points being added to the driver's license. Traffic enforcement officers in Louisiana have the discretion to issue citations for these violations based on their assessment of the situation. If a citation is issued, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to convince a judge or jury that the driver committed the offense. The judge or jury then has the discretion to determine the outcome of the case, weighing whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof to convict the driver of a criminal offense or find them responsible for a civil infraction, violation, or offense.