Illegal U turn at controlled intersection

[bohnhoffp]

I live in Wisconsin. I recently was issued a citation for an illegal u turn at a contolled intersecion. It was a stop light. The light was green and there was no traffic coming. The cop pulled me over and told me it was illegal to make a U turn where I did. I told him I thought it was OK because there was no sign. He told me it was illegal because it was controlled. He also suggested I contest this in court. I am confused as to why he would suggest this knowing it was illegal.

Do I have a case? What should I say in court?

Describe the intersection. 4 lane highway in the direction I was going(West Bound) before I turned. Off ramp intersecting the highway (South bound). Stop light in both directions.

Was there a divider? Yes, there was a divider seperating the West and East Bound traffic.

A turn lane? Yes, I was in the left turn lane

How many lanes? 4 Lanes in the direction I was originally going and a 2 lane off ramp with a road continuing in the opposite direction.

Did you execute your turn from your left? Yes

Did you obey signs and lane markers? Yes, and there was no sign stating No U turn.

The citation was issued for unlawful U/Y turn-control.intersection, adopting state statute 346.33(1) (a)

[xylene]

What do you mean "controlled intersection"

Describe the intersection.

Was there a divider?
A turn lane?
How many lanes?

Did you execute your turn from your left?

Did you obey signs and lane markers?


General answer, you can't just rip a U in the middle of any old interestion... a lot depends by what you mean 'controlled'.

[Zigner]

Most importantly, exactly WHAT were you cited with? There should be a code section listed on the cite.

[Curt581]

A sign prohibiting U-turns is not required. U-turns at controlled intersections are illegal, sign or no sign.

346.33 Where turns prohibited, exception.
(1) The operator of a vehicle shall not turn the vehicle so as to proceed in
the opposite direction upon a highway at any of the following
places:
(a) At any intersection at which traffic is being controlled by
traffic control signals or by a traffic officer;
(b) In mid−block on any street in a business district, except
where the highway is a divided highway and where the turn is
made at an opening or crossover established by the authority in
charge of the maintenance of the highway.
(c) In mid−block on any through highway in a residence district,
except where the highway is a divided highway and where
the turn is made at an opening or crossover established by the
authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.
(d) At any place where signs prohibiting such turn have been
erected by the authority in charge of the maintenance of the highway.

Stop and Go lights qualify as "traffic control signals". It does not matter if the lights control traffic through the intersection in one direction, two directions or all directions.