Drivers who want to make a left or U-turn in California must yield to oncoming traffic. Drivers accused of ignoring this rule may get a ticket for CA Vehicle Code 21801 – Failure to Yield When Making a Left or U-Turn.
Drivers may get pulled over if the police believe they made a turn improperly. This situation can lead to a ticket, fines, and a point on your driver’s license.
Sometimes, police officers request field sobriety tests or blood alcohol content (BAC) tests after pulling over a driver because they suspect a motorist is driving under the influence (DUI). In this situation, you can get help from a Los Angeles DUI lawyer.
What Leads to a VC 21801 Ticket?
Drivers may receive a VC 21801 ticket if the police accuse them of turning left or making a U-turn to the left without yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that would otherwise constitute a hazard.
Motorists can only make a U-turn or left turn if they can complete the maneuver with reasonable safety.
Drivers who want to make these turns must wait until they have a safe opportunity to pass in front of approaching vehicles.
What Happens if You Get a VC 21801 Ticket?
If you get a ticket for CA Vehicle Code 21801 – Failure to Yield When Making a Left or U–Turn, you may face several hundred dollars in fines. Additionally, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can put a point on your driver’s license.
If you get enough points on your license in a set time, the DMV will suspend your driving privileges. You cannot legally drive with a suspended license in California.
Additionally, your insurance will generally increase your rates if you get a point on your license. Therefore, it’s essential that you take a VC 21801 ticket seriously.
What Happens if You Ignore a VC 21801 Ticket?
Ignoring a VC 21801 ticket can have harsh legal consequences. Drivers who ignore tickets can face charges under CA Vehicle Code 40508a – Failure to Appear for a Traffic Ticket.
While VC 21801 is an infraction, failure to appear for a traffic ticket represents a misdemeanor offense in California. Therefore, a VC 40508a charge can result in more severe penalties, including months of time in county jail.
Therefore, legal professionals strongly advise that you get help handling a traffic ticket to ensure that you resolve it and avoid charges for failure to appear.
Can You Beat a VC 21801 Ticket?
Some drivers can beat a CA Vehicle Code 21801 – Failure to Yield When Making a Left or U–Turn ticket, especially if they get help from a legal professional. A criminal defense lawyer could help you by arguing that you turned safely in front of another vehicle.
Additionally, in some cases, an attorney can argue that you had to make a dangerous left turn or U-turn. For example, you may need to make an abrupt turn in an emergency situation or if you need to get out of the way so an emergency vehicle can pass you.
A lawyer can review the circumstances that led to your ticket and discuss potential defenses.
Can Failure to Yield When Making a Turn Lead to DUI Charges?
Sometimes, police officers will request a blood alcohol content (BAC) test or field sobriety test after stopping a driver who they claim failed to yield when making a turn.
A driver who fails these tests could end up facing DUI charges.
CA Vehicle Code 23152 (a) – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol represents a far more serious offense than failure to yield when making a U-turn or a left turn. A DUI conviction may result in fines, jail time, and restrictions on your driving privileges.
Can You Refuse a BAC Test at a Traffic Stop?
Some drivers can refuse a BAC test or field sobriety test prior to an arrest. However, you must legally comply with these tests if you’re on probation or if you’re under the age of 21.
Additionally, you must take any requested BAC tests after the police arrest you because of California’s informed consent laws. These laws state that, by driving in the state, you agree to complete all lawfully ordered BAC tests.
However, even if you fail a BAC test, you may have legal options to fight a DUI charge. A lawyer can review your situation and tell you everything you need to know about DUI field sobriety tests.
Talk to an Attorney About a VC 21801 Ticket in California
Do you have more questions about CA Vehicle Code 21801 – Failure to Yield When Making a Left or U-Turn? Our team can help you find a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles who can assist you after an arrest for failure to yield that led to DUI accusations.
You can learn more when you call or complete our online contact form.
