Watch that U-Turn
March 18, 2009
Lake Saint Louis
Lake Saint Louis Police Chief Michael Force has received a number of complaints recently from residents of the city who have received traffic citations from law enforcement officers for executing an illegal U-turn at the intersection of Callahan and Highway 40.
The citizens were quick to point out that the officers were not Lake Saint Louis Police and that they had no idea that the U-turn was illegal. Although he is not aware of citations written through the Lake Saint Louis Police Department, he feels compelled to make citizens aware of the statute so they do not come into non-compliance.
Missouri Revised Statues, Chapter 304, Section 304.341 states, in part, “It shall be unlawful for the driver of any vehicle to turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction at any intersection controlled by a traffic signal or police officer.” This statute prohibits a U-turn at any intersection controlled by a traffic signal.
Having monitored the location himself, Chief Force stated it is apparent that most citizens are unaware of this statute. It is his hope that wide dissemination of this information will deter incidents of citizens receiving citations for violations of statues of which they are unaware.
Representatives of the Missouri State Highway Patrol share Chief Force’s concern of doing everything possible to educate motorists in order that they may comply with the law. An informational sign near the intersection will warn motorists of the U-turn prohibition. The sign will be temporary but should help to alert the public of this prohibition.
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
