“Disobey U Turn - Pulled Into A Driveway”

I recieved a ticket for 'disobey sign' for a no U turn sign, but I didn't make a U turn. I turned left at the lights, drove a short distance down a small street and pulled right into a private driveway. I waited until the the street way clear of cars and then backed out of the driveway and drove in the other direction. Police officer said that turning around in a driveway was the same as making a U turn. Is this true???

did this driveway have "no u-turn" signs along it?

legally you are allowed to do an u-turn anywhere unless it's prohibited by signage and if it doesn't conflict with the following:

U-turns prohibited

143. No driver or operator of a vehicle upon a highway shall turn the vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction when,

(a) upon a curve where traffic approaching the vehicle from either direction cannot be seen by the driver of the vehicle within a distance of 150 metres;

(b) on a railway crossing or within 30 metres of a railway crossing;

(c) upon an approach to or near the crest of a grade where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of another vehicle approaching from either direction within 150 metres; or

(d) within 150 metres of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel where the drivers view is obstructed within such distance. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 143.

Based on you description I would say no, you did not make a u-turn.

I'd fight this one for sure.

Driving into a private driveway and backing out and driving in the opposite direction is considered a U-turn? This is news to me.

If the officer thinks that's a U-turn, he'll find out that pretty much no one else believes that when it goes to trial... If the Prosecutor doesn't withdraw it first.

Thank you for your responses. I have requested a trial date. Do I need a lawyer for such a minor charge or can I just go and explain my story?

You do not need a lawyer. If you are intimidated by the process, you could hire a paralegal. When you get your trial date, file a disclosure request (see "Courts and Procedure" on this website) and get the evidence against you. The only thing you should ask for are the officer's notes, and any video/photographic evidence if the Prosecutor intends to use it in court. Rehearse your testimony so you sound convincing - but be sure to be specific about what you did, and when. The officer's notes should tell you what he allegedly saw. If they do not indicate an actual U-turn, before trial go up to the Prosecutor, present the notes and ask "do you really want to go to trial on this, or do you want to withdraw it"?