The danger of doing a U-turn at traffic lights
More than 1100 motorists were caught doing a U-turn at traffic lights in 2024-25, according to SA Police data.
Of those motorists, 751 were given a warning and 358 were handed a $450 fine, plus $105 Victims of Crime Levy and two demerit points.
Getting caught doing a U-turn at traffic lights where it isn’t allowed can be expensive, but also dangerous. Here’s why it could be dangerous.
Unexpected moves
Picture this: You’re making a U-turn at the traffic lights and as you complete the move, another driver turns left at a slip lane. They don’t expect you to do a U-turn, and think the road is clear, and unfortunately you collide with the car turning left.
In South Australia, motorists aren’t allowed to do a U-turn at the traffic light unless it’s signposted otherwise. That means that if you do a U-turn at the traffic lights, other motorists won’t be expecting the manoeuvre.
RAA Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says the unexpected U-turn could result in a collision.
“Instead of doing a U-turn at the traffic lights, the motorist should continue in the same direction through the intersection and then perform a U-turn well away from the intersection where it’s safe to do so,” Charles says.
When it’s legal
There are several locations scattered around Adelaide where motorists can legally perform a U-turn at the traffic lights. You’ll find one on North Terrace in the city and another at St Marys where Ayliffes Road meets with Shepherds Hill Road and the Southern Expressway entrance. At each of these intersections there’s a ‘U-turn permitted sign’.
When performing a U-turn, you must give way to all other traffic and pedestrians and not unreasonably obstruct traffic approaching from the front or behind.
When performing a U-turn at traffic lights always check for any traffic before completing the manoeuvre and give way to any pedestrians.
The rules interstate
Victoria is the only Australian state where you can legally do a U-turn at the traffic lights unless a ‘no U-turn permitted’ sign is present. All other Australian states and territories have the same no U-turn rule as the one in place in South Australia.
Of course, you’ll also find hook turns in Melbourne, so be prepared when you’re driving in Victoria.