Utah Left-Turn Accidents: Who Is at Fault and What the Yield Statute Says
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Under Utah Code § 41-6a-903(1)(a), the operator of a vehicle intending to turn left must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. Failure to yield is an infraction (§ 41-6a-903(2)). That is why the left-turning driver is often assigned most of the fault. But fault is still decided by percentage: an oncoming driver who was speeding, ran a red light, or was distracted can share blame, and Utah bars recovery if your fault reaches 50% (§ 78B-5-818).
Who this guide is for
Utah drivers, passengers, motorcyclists and pedestrians hurt in a left-turn collision — or accused of causing one.
The rule
Section 41-6a-903(1) (version effective May 12, 2015; confirm current text) says the operator of a vehicle:
- (a) intending to turn left shall yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction so close as to constitute an immediate hazard;
- (b) about to enter or cross a highway from any place other than another highway (a driveway or parking lot, for example) shall yield to all vehicles approaching on the highway; and
- (c) traveling in a lane about to merge into a continuing lane shall yield to vehicles in the continuing lane that are so close as to be an immediate hazard.
"Immediate hazard" isn't defined in the section; whether an oncoming car was close enough is a fact question.
Why the turning driver is usually blamed
Because the law puts the duty to yield on the turning driver, a collision with an oncoming vehicle is often treated as a failure to yield. Insurers commonly start from that assumption. But it isn't a legal presumption you can't rebut.
When the oncoming driver shares fault
- Speeding that made the oncoming car an "immediate hazard" when it might not have been at the limit. See Utah Speeding Crash Claims.
- Running a red light or yellow-to-red or entering on a stale signal.
- Distraction or failing to keep a lookout. See Utah Distracted Driving Accident Claims.
- Impairment. See Utah Drunk Driving Accident Victim Claims.
- Passing unsafely or lane violations.
Comparative negligence (§ 78B-5-818) reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault and bars recovery if your fault is equal to or greater than the defendants'. See Utah's Comparative Fault Rule.
Left turns with arrows, signals and pedestrians
- A protected green arrow changes the analysis; the signal phase becomes a central fact.
- A left-turning driver must also yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. See Utah Pedestrian and Bicycle Accident Claims.
- At stop and yield signs, § 41-6a-902 requires yielding to vehicles in the intersection or approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard. A collision after passing a yield sign without stopping is prima facie evidence of failure to yield, but the statute says it is not negligence per se.
Motorcycles and left turns
Drivers often misjudge motorcycle speed and distance. A motorcycle is entitled to full use of a lane. See Utah Motorcycle Accident Claims.
Evidence that decides these cases
- Signal timing records and traffic camera footage (request preservation quickly).
- Vehicle damage patterns and final rest positions.
- Event data recorders in newer vehicles.
- Witness statements and 911 calls.
- Photographs of sight lines, signs and lane markings.
- The crash report, which can lead to evidence. See How to Request a Utah Accident Report.
After a left-turn crash
Get medical care, report to your insurer, and avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights. PIP pays regardless of fault, and a claim for general damages against the other driver requires meeting the no-fault threshold. See Utah's PIP Coverage Explained and Utah's Third-Party Auto Insurance Claim Process.
Frequently asked questions
Is the left-turning driver always at fault in Utah?
No. The turning driver must yield, but the oncoming driver's speed, signals or inattention can shift fault.
What is an "immediate hazard"?
The statute uses the phrase without defining it; it turns on how close and fast the oncoming vehicle was.
What if I was hit at an intersection with no left-turn arrow?
The yield duty applies, and signal timing and speed become key evidence.
What is the deadline to sue?
Many negligence claims have a four-year deadline; see Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations.