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 New York State, traffic laws prohibit drivers from making illegal or improper turns, which include U-turns where prohibited by signage, turning without moving to the appropriate lane, and turning where such actions are explicitly forbidden by posted signs. Violations of these laws typically result in fines and points being added to the driver's license. The amount of the fine and the number of points can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the violation. Law enforcement officers have the discretion to issue citations for these offenses, and prosecutors have the discretion to pursue charges. However, if the case goes to court, it is up to the judge or jury to determine whether the driver is guilty based on whether the prosecution has met its burden of proof. For traffic violations, this is generally a civil matter rather than a criminal one, but the principles of legal discretion and burden of proof still apply.