A bit of context here, I have a buddy who got a ticket under ARS 28-644A1 (Obey the instructions of an official traffic control device applicable to the driver that is placed in accordance with this chapter). He was on Cave Creek Rd southbound, there are 2 left turn lanes at the intersection with Beardsley (east bound), he was on the leftmost of the 2 left turn lanes. He made a U turn from the left lane, when the left turn arrow was green (to turn northbound on Cave Creek). Police officer says the sign means only a left, and no U turn. However, there isn't signage prohibiting a U turn. I took a screenshot from Google Maps on the intersection.

40inch LightBarCurved

Rigid40lightbar

Edit: It appears a traffic sign on Beardsley actually says that cars turning right on red (northbound Cave Creek) have to yield to U turns. Therefore, U turns are legal on Cave Creek.

The department of transportation letter claims the left turn only sign "does not in and of itself prohibit a U-turn". Are there any statutes in the ARS code that specifically deal with U turns? It seems like it is a bit ambiguous. He is not planning on disputing the ticket, but now I am a bit curious as I can see both sides of the argument. What do you all think?

40LightBarprinsu

I found a letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation dated December 3, 2009 (Meaning of Mandatory Left-Turn Sign with Respect to U-Turns) which says "We have reviewed your request and have concluded that the use of an R3-5L and/or an R3-7L sign does not in and of itself prohibit a U-turn." " Most of the States allow U-turns at all intersections unless a particular approach is specifically signed that U-turns are prohibited. The prohibition of a U-turn from a mandatory left-turn lane in these States is accomplished by the installation of a No U-Turn (R3-4) sign. In these States, if the R3-4 sign is not present on an intersection approach on a two-way street or highway (or at a midblock median opening) that has a mandatory left-turn lane, then U-turns are also allowed from that lane."

Everything Arizona, from the Grand Canyon to Yuma and all things in between. For residents of the state and not a place for tourist / visitor questions. You can also join the Reddit AZ Discord at: https://discord.com/invite/yWVuTG57Zh