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 Rhode Island, as in all states, there are specific laws that govern the legality of vehicle turns. Rhode Island traffic regulations prohibit illegal or improper turns, such as executing a U-turn where it is explicitly forbidden by signage, turning without moving to the appropriate lane, or making turns where signs indicate they are not allowed. Violations of these laws typically result in fines and may also lead to points being added to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. Enforcement of these laws is at the discretion of the police officer who may issue a citation. If a citation is issued, the case may be prosecuted, and it is then up to a judge or jury to determine whether the driver is guilty of the offense based on the evidence presented. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish that the driver committed the violation as charged. The specific statutes detailing these regulations can be found in the Rhode Island General Laws under Title 31 (Motor and Other Vehicles), which outlines the rules of the road and associated penalties.