U-turn across median when sitting in stopped traffic

[thisisme123]

Ok, I know this has got to be illegal, but being from the DC area (with all of our traffic) I see this all the time. We will be stopped in traffic. IE: Some sort of accident or whatever that STOPS traffic not just slows it down. After a few minutes of sitting there you start seeing some people doing U-turns across the grassy median. I'm thinking this has got to be illegal. Is it? Does it make a difference if there are curbs? Also if illegal any guess on what the penalties would be?

Thanks.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Ok, I know this has got to be illegal, but being from the DC area (with all of our traffic) I see this all the time. We will be stopped in traffic. IE: Some sort of accident or whatever that STOPS traffic not just slows it down. After a few minutes of sitting there you start seeing some people doing U-turns across the grassy median. I'm thinking this has got to be illegal. Is it?
Probably. It's illegal here in Arizona.
Does it make a difference if there are curbs?
Yup. Curbs tear out the bottom of your car. No curbs - don't tear it up. That's the difference.
Also if illegal any guess on what the penalties would be?
A ticket, maybe? ;)

[Taylor1430]

In MD, there are specific charges that apply to this:

21 311 3 Driving on median strip on divided hwy $90.00 1 point

21 311 2 Driving (over, across, within)(dividing space, barrier, section) on divided hwy $90.00 1 point

If its at one of those crossovers that say "Emergency Vehicles Only", I would charge with failure to obey a traffic control device, again $90.00 fine.

[JDCOP]

Would search your state and local ordinances pertaining to traffic. A u-turn here is a ordinance with typically a $50 fine.

[SgtCHP]

It is unlawful in CA. California Vehicle Code Section 21651(a)(1).

Divided Highways

21651. (a) Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful to do either of the following:

(1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.

(2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section.

(b) It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (c), a violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(c) Any willful violation of subdivision (b) which results in injury to, or death of, a person shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison, or imprisonment in a county jail for a period of not more than six months.

Amended Ch. 765, Stats. 1988. Effective January 1, 1989.

[thisisme123]

Thanks for all the responses. I do a lot of driving in MD so it's especially nice to have that info. Anybody know the particulars for DC & VA?

[phillyrube]

In Virginia you can only make a U-turn where marked or at an intersection. See 46.2-845. Also, you cannot use an interstate crossover, 46.2-808.1. Also, if there are signs up "Stay Off the Grass" you can write for 46.2-830, Disregard Highway Sign."

[redbird07]

It's illagal in Maryland, BUT, there are times I overlook it. I dont know how many times on an accident scene where the road is shut down and it's a parking lot. People start driving accross the median to find another route around the scene. I look the other way on that. HOwever, there are times during rush hour when EVERYBODY is stuck in traffic (including myself). The impatient driver drives aross the median to either find another route or avoid a traffic control device. I will write the ticket almost every time.