Can I make a U-turn at a ‘left turn only’ intersection? What WA State Patrol says
You’re driving down the road when you suddenly realizing you’ve been going the wrong way.
You need to turn around, but your options are limited.
“In Washington, is it legal to make a U-turn at an intersection marked ‘left turn only?’ ” Tri-Cities Herald reader D. Streifling of Richland asked in an email to McClatchy Media.
We reached out to experts to discover the answer.
Here’s what we found out:
When can I make a U-turn in Washington state?
In Washington state, drivers are only allowed to turn around and “proceed in the opposite direction” unless they can do so safely, without interfering with other traffic, the Revised Code of Washington says.
“You should only make a U turn when it is safe,” the Washington State Department of Licensing said in its Washington Driver Guide. “U turns should not be made on any curve or when approaching the crest of a hill when your vehicle cannot be seen by others.”
The state agency encourages drivers to look for signs showing whether or not a U-turn is allowed.
“You must have clear visibility in all directions before making a U-turn,” the state Department of Licensing said. “For that reason, do not make a U-turn on a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill.”
Can you U-turn at an intersection marked ‘left turn only’?
“In Washington, U-turns are generally allowed unless a sign is posted telling you a U-turn is not allowed,” the Washington Driver Guide says.
In other words, you can make a U-turn at an intersection labeled “left turn only” unless signs specifically tell you not to.
“In general, U-turns are permitted unless doing so would violate specific safety restrictions or conditions outlined in law,” Jermaine Walker, Washington State Patrol director of media development, told McClatchy Media.
Walker said there’s another “important exception” — in cases where “local city or county ordinances impose additional restrictions on that movement.”
“Because local regulations can vary, drivers should always follow posted signage and applicable local traffic laws,” Walker wrote in an email.
Where are U-turns banned in Washington state?
Certain cities have strict rules about U-turns, McClatchy Media previously reported.
In Bremerton, for instance, U-turns are prohibited except where indicated by signs.
Yakima does not allow U-turns within business districts, and Tacoma only permits the move in areas with zero traffic control signs, markers or lights.
What’s the penalty for making an illegal U-Turn?
In Washington state, making an illegal U-turn is a traffic infraction punishable by a base fee of $48, according to Washington’s Monetary Penalty Schedule for Infractions.
“Fines vary according to each jurisdiction,” said Attorney at Law Vinny Randhawa in Kent, noting that fines for traffic infractions in Seattle range from $100 to $1,200.
This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Can I make a U-turn at a ‘left turn only’ intersection? What WA State Patrol says."