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Published on 08/25/1999 All articles from this issue

Downtown U-turns provoke local residents

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By Matthew Hartley

Traffic Talk

Los Altos Police Department

This week I will be answering two frequently-asked questions regarding traffic in the downtown area of Los Altos. This information could make a big difference in the cost of your morning cup of coffee.

Q: Can a driver cross the double yellow lines to park in the downtown areas such as Main Street? I see this quite often.

A: Guess what? So do we, and that is an expensive ticket! Under California Vehicle Code section 21460(a), a driver may cross over double parallel solid lines to make a left turn only at an intersection, or into or out of a private driveway or private road. A driver may not cross the double yellow lines downtown to park in a parking space facing the opposite direction.

Q: Can I legally make a U-turn in the downtown area?

A: A U-turn may be made downtown or in any business district, provided that the turn is made at an intersection and with sufficient room. A driver may not make a U-turn mid-block between intersections. (California Vehicle Code section 22102)

Matt Hartley is one of the two Los Altos motorcycle officers assigned Jan. 1 to traffic enforcement. Their presence is making a difference in traffic safety in Los Altos, and prompts traffic-related questions. Send your questions to Traffic Talk, Joanne Griffith Domingue, c/o the Los Altos Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022. Or e-mail her at joanned@latc.com . One of the traffic officers will answer your questions.