U-turn-RTOR sign does not follow MUTCD

[mrsman]

Very interesting discussion of signage for the possibility of conflict between a u-turn and a complementary right turn.

Ordinarily, where there is a green left turn arrow, the u-turn is also protected.  RTOR must yield to the possible u-turn movement, but that is the only movement that would conflict with the right turn.

To the extend that DOT wants to signalize a protected right turn at the same time as this left turn, there are several options:

1) No U-turn.  This is followed heavily in CA.  No U-turn allowed in situations where the right turn green arrow is lit at the same time as the left turn green arrow
2) Flashing yellow right turn arrow.  This is used in Tucson, AZ and other places.  It is an indication that the right turn is mostly protected, except for the possible u-turn traffic.  Of course, there are other meanings of flashing right turn arrow, but in the context of these intersections, this is the meaning.
3) Signs indicating that right turns yield to u-turns.  Ideally, these should be signaled like #2 or with no right turn arrow illuminated at all.  In a normal RTOR situation this is indeed the default, the RTOR driver must yield to whomever he is in conflict with, whether it be cross-traffic, u-turn traffic, opposing lefts, or pedestrians.
4) Signs indicating that u-turns yield to right turns on the green arrow.  This acknowledges that the u-turn is probably a minor movement in comparison with the right turn, but it is somewhat uncomfortable as u-turners must interrupt their turns to allow right turners to go, while at the same time get out of the way so that people behind them can (presumably) make a left turn.  IMO, it is almost better to follow the approach of #1 and just prohibit the u-turn where the right turn is prioritized and allow traffic to make a u-turn somewhere later at an intersection without a green right turn arrow.