As a seasoned Ontario paralegal focused on Highway Traffic Act matters, I see motorists plead guilty to “simple” turning offences every day—only to discover later that the conviction lives on their driving record, carries demerit points, and affects their insurance. If you’re holding an improper turn ticket, pause. Understanding what the law actually requires—and how to defend your case—can save your license, money, and stress.

Quick help: Book a no-obligation review with Traffic Paralegal Services. We handle Provincial Offences Act matters across Ontario, including intersection and lane-movement charges.

What Is Considered an Improper Turn in Ontario?

Turning rules in Ontario are set by the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and enforced by set fines and demerit points. “Improper” often means the turn was not made from the correct lane, into the correct marked lane, without proper signalling, or not “in safety.” The details matter because different HTA sections apply depending on the scenario (e.g., left turn vs. right turn, U-turn, failing to signal, turning across the path of a pedestrian). 

Improper Left Turn vs. Improper Right Turn — Legal Definitions

  • Left turns: You must yield to oncoming traffic and complete the turn only when safe. The law governs how you approach, where you enter, and whether you afforded a reasonable opportunity to avoid a collision. 
  • Right turns: You must approach as close as practicable to the right-hand curb/edge and turn safely into an appropriate lane. Signals and right-of-way rules still apply. 

Ontario Highway Traffic Act on Improper Turns

Key provisions include:

  • s. 141 (turning at intersections, including left/right turns and lane positioning),
  • s. 142 (signalling turns, lane changes, and the “turn/change not in safety” rules),
  • s. 143 (prohibited U-turn locations and conditions). 

The Ontario Court of Justice also publishes the current set fine schedule for these HTA offences—crucial for understanding total payable amounts. 

Types of Improper Turn Tickets You Can Receive

Below are common situations that lead to tickets at intersections and mid-block locations.

Incorrect Right or Left Turns — Common Mistakes Drivers Make

Before listing examples, remember: officers often charge what they observe in a split second. The disclosure (notes, diagrams, bodycam, dashcam, intersection photos) can change how a case is defended.

Typical mistakes include:

  • Turning from the wrong lane (e.g., left turn from a centre lane not marked for left turns).
  • Entering the wrong lane after a turn (failing to turn into the proper marked lane).
  • Failing to signal early enough or at all.
  • Turning when it’s not in safety (cutting off approaching vehicles or pedestrians).
  • Rolling right turns on red without a full stop (often paired with red-light/stop-sign charges). 

Improper U-Turn and Related Violations

Ontario restricts U-turns where sightlines are limited (curves/crests), at railway crossings, and where prohibited by signs. Many improper u turn allegations also engage “turn not in safety.” Officers may treat some three-point turns as U-turns if you never fully left the roadway. 

improper left turn ticket ontario

Penalties, Fines, and Demerit Points for Improper Turns

Convictions can bring fines (plus victim fine surcharge and court costs), penalty points, and a record that insurers see. According to Ontario’s demerit point framework, improper left turn and improper right turn convictions carry 2 points. 

Set fines (selected examples from Schedule 43):

  • Improper left turn — multi-lane highway (s. 141(7)): $85 set fine (higher in community safety zones).
  • Turn — not in safety (s. 142(1)): $85 set fine (higher in community safety zones).
  • Fail to signal turn or lane change (s. 142(1)): $85 set fine (higher in community safety zones).
  • Prohibited U-turns (s. 143): $85 set fine (higher in community safety zones). 

Note: “Total payable” is higher than the set fine once the surcharge and costs are added. Always check the fine line on your offence notice. For the official demerit system, consult Ontario’s page on demerit points. 

Hand Signals, Lane Positioning, and Preventing Improper Turns

Knowing the fundamentals reduces tickets and collisions—and strengthens your defence if charged.

Ontario Driving Hand Signals Explained

If your signal lights fail, you must use Ontario driving hand signals:

  • Left turn: left arm straight out.
  • Right turn: left arm up at 90°.
  • Stop/slow: left arm down.

These are outlined in the Official MTO Driver’s Handbook. 

Proper Lane Changes and Turn Procedures in Ontario

Signal your intention before slowing for the turn, move into the correct lane, and complete the turn into the appropriate marked lane. The MTO handbooks (car/truck/motorcycle) reinforce signalling and safe lane discipline. 

Importantly, “fail to signal” and “change lane/turn not in safety” are distinct charges: one concerns the presence and timing of a signal, the other concerns whether the manoeuvre endangered others—even if you signalled. The courts’ set-fine schedule lists each separately. 

Got a Ticket? Why You Should Think Twice Before Pleading Guilty

What Happens When You Plead Guilty to an Improper Turn Ticket?

A guilty plea becomes a conviction. You’ll likely face:

  • A fine and penalty points (Demerit Points 2).
  • A visible conviction on your driving record for insurers to assess at renewal.
  • Lost opportunity to review disclosure (officer notes, diagrams) and challenge the factual or legal basis. 

How a Paralegal Can Help Fight an Improper Turn Charge

At Traffic Paralegal Services, we:

  • Obtain and analyze disclosure (including intersection layout, signage, lane markings, and sightlines).
  • Assess whether the officer’s vantage point captured lane discipline, signalling distance, and “in safety” criteria under s. 142.
  • Identify alternative resolutions or offence reductions where appropriate, or litigate: burden of proof, officer observations, diagram accuracy, and inconsistencies with the  law.

Early advice often improves outcomes—especially when your license and insurance are on the line.

Legal Consequences Beyond the Fine

How Improper Turn Convictions Affect Driving Record

Convictions for turning offences are posted to your driver record, and points remain active for two years from the offence date. Insurers commonly review your record at renewal—“minor” tickets can still affect premiums depending on your insurer’s underwriting rules. 

Cumulative Effects — Multiple Minor Offences Over Time

One ticket can be manageable; several in short succession can trigger surcharges or disqualify “conviction-free” discounts. A single illegal left turn ticket may also be paired with “turn not in safety” or “fail to signal,” compounding exposure. The official set-fines list shows how multiple sections can appear from a single event. 

How to Avoid Getting an Improper Turn Ticket

Before the intersection, plan the manoeuvre—don’t improvise. The checklist below helps reduce risk and demonstrates prudence if a charge is laid.

Checklist to prevent improper turns:

  • Confirm the turn is lawful (watch for signs prohibiting turns or U-turns).
  • Move to the correct lane early; use your signal well in advance.
  • Yield appropriately on left turns and ensure a clear path on right turns.
  • Complete the turn into the proper marked lane; avoid wide swings.
  • If signals fail, use hand/arm signals.
  • Abandon the turn if conditions become unsafe.

Ontario’s Official MTO Handbook pages offer helpful illustrations for signals and traffic-light turning rules; they’re worth reviewing even for experienced drivers. 

At-a-Glance: Common Improper-Turn–Related Charges

The table summarizes frequent charges, associated sections, improper left turn demerit points, and typical set fine amounts from Ontario Court of Justice Schedule 43. Always verify your own ticket’s wording and code.

Charge (plain-language) HTA Section Points Typical Set Fine* Notes
Improper left turn (multi-lane) s. 141(7) 2 $85 Higher in community safety zones
Turn — not in safety s. 142(1) 2 $85 Separate from signalling
Change lane — not in safety s. 142(1) 2 $85 Often paired with signalling
Fail to signal (turn or lane change) s. 142(1) 2 $85 Hand/arm signals permitted if lights fail
U-turn prohibited (curve/crest/railway) s. 143 2 $85 Prohibited where view obstructed or where posted

* “Set fine” excludes surcharge/costs. See the official set-fines schedule and Ontario’s demerit point system. 

Should You Ever Just Pay It?

Sometimes resolution makes sense—for example, when evidence is overwhelming and a reduction meaningfully limits harm. But many improper turn tickets turn on precise facts: marked lanes, line-of-sight, signal timing, and whether any other vehicle “may be affected.” Disclosure often reveals weaknesses you cannot see from the roadside. Speak to a licensed representative before deciding.

A final word before you decide

If you’ve received an improper left turn ticket Ontario or an improper right turn allegation—or even an improper u turn—do not rush to plead guilty. The right approach can protect your record, your premiums, and your peace of mind. Contact Traffic Paralegal Services for a detailed, honest review of your options.

Footnotes & Official Resources

  1. Highway Traffic Act index (turning/signalling/U-turns): HTA ss. 141, 142, 143. 
  2. Ontario Court of Justice Set Fines – Schedule 43 (updated July 1, 2024). 
  3. Ontario’s Demerit Points framework (MTO/ontario.ca). 

Official MTO Driver’s Handbook – hand/arm signals; traffic lights and turning rules.

Both refer to turns that don’t comply with HTA rules; “improper left turn” commonly captures lane/positioning or safety breaches, while “illegal left turn ticket” is a broader lay term that can include prohibited turns (e.g., where a sign bans it) or failing to yield. The exact section on your ticket determines the defence.

Most improper left turn demerit points entries are 2 points upon conviction. Points accumulate for two years from the offence date.

Yes. Under the Provincial Offences Act, you can self-represent or retain a licensed paralegal. The key is disclosure review, identifying the correct HTA section, and assessing whether the evidence proves the elements (signal, lane choice, “in safety”).

Insurers see convictions on your record and may surcharge—even for “minor” violations—depending on underwriting. Avoiding a conviction or reducing to a non-moving offence can mitigate the impact.

If electronic signals are unavailable, you must use hand/arm signals (left straight out, right up, stop/down), as shown in the MTO Handbook. This can be relevant both for safe driving and as context in court.

Request a trial option, obtain disclosure (officer notes/diagrams), and document the intersection (photos of marked lanes/signs). Many cases turn on vantage points, distances, and what other traffic was present.

Yes—through resolution discussions or by challenging the case at trial. Outcomes vary; sometimes an improper left turn ticket price is less important than avoiding the conviction that affects insurance.