If you make an improper turn in Ontario you will be charged contrary to section 142(1) of the Highway Traffic Act.  A single or multiple vehicle accident does not always have to occur as the illegal turn may be viewed first-hand by an officer. The majority of these charges do often include another vehicle or city telephone poles.

An improper turn ticket is often described to driver’s using the terminology “turn – not in safety.” In Layman’s terms, the offending behaviour occurs when a driver does not look to safety in executing a turn and does not see whether the vehicle move can be made without impacting another driver.

The penalties associated with an improper turn conviction are minimal in comparison to some other, more heinous, traffic tickets. It carries the least amount of demerit points acquired upon conviction.

Court-imposed penalties;

*Note a fine range between $85.00 and $1,000.00 exists if the ticket is issued as a Part III summons (more severe).

A conviction for making an unsafe lane change will also guarantee the following MTO-imposed penalty;

While the acquisition of two (2) demerit points may not appear overly severe, this offence is a moving violation and a conviction may impact your insurance.

This offence has received the designation as being one of absolute liability. These types of infractions have limited defences that may be available if the prosecution is able to prove the actus reus, or the illicit action. While a due diligence defence is not available, the Crown always has to “prove-it”.