U-turns

A U-turn turns your vehicle around to go back the way you came. Signal and use the left turn lane or far-left lane. Where you may make one depends on visibility, road type and signs.

U-turn

Turning your vehicle around to go back in the direction you came.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

You may make a U-turn:

Across a double yellow line
In a residential district if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet
At an intersection on a green light or green arrow, unless a NO U-TURN sign is posted
On a divided highway if a center divider opening is provided

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Never make a U-turn:

Where a NO U-TURN sign is posted
At or on a railroad crossing
On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellows
When you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction
On a one-way street
In front of a fire station (never use a fire station driveway to turn around)
In business districts, except at an intersection or a provided divided-highway opening

Handbook p. 26 ↗

200 ft

In a residential district, no vehicles may be approaching within this distance

Handbook p. 26 ↗

200 ft

You must be able to see clearly this far in each direction to U-turn

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Business district

The part of a city or town where most offices and businesses are.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Put it into practice

You're on a quiet residential street and missed the house you wanted. The nearest car coming toward you is about a block away, well over 200 feet, and you can see 200 feet both ways. Signal, move to the far-left, and make the U-turn.

Put it into practice

Downtown among offices and shops, you want to turn around mid-block. That's a business district, so wait until the next intersection (or a divided-highway opening) to U-turn.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

In a residential district, when may you make a U-turn?

If no vehicles approach within 50 feet
If no vehicles approach within 200 feet
Never in a residential district
If no vehicles approach within 500 feet

Answer: If no vehicles approach within 200 feet

In a residential district, a U-turn is allowed if no vehicles are approaching within 200 feet.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

Where is a U-turn always illegal, even at a green light?

At most standard intersections
On a divided highway with a center opening
At or on a railroad crossing
In a residential district

Answer: At or on a railroad crossing

You may never make a U-turn at or on a railroad crossing.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

May you make a U-turn in front of a fire station?

Yes, if no fire truck is present
Yes, using the station driveway
Yes, in a residential district
No, never

Answer: No, never

Never make a U-turn in front of a fire station or use its driveway to turn around.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

What visibility is required in each direction before making a U-turn?

200 feet each way
500 feet each way
100 feet each way
1,000 feet each way

Answer: 200 feet each way

Never make a U-turn when you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

In a business district, where is a U-turn generally permitted?

Anywhere along the block
At an intersection or divided highway opening
Mid-block, if no cars are within 200 feet
In any business driveway

Answer: At an intersection or divided highway opening

U-turns in business districts are prohibited except at an intersection or where a divided highway opening is provided.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

U-turns are permitted on a one-way street at any time.

True
False

Answer: False

U-turns are never permitted on a one-way street.

Handbook p. 26 ↗

U-turn

You may make a U-turn:

Never make a U-turn:

Business district

Check your understanding

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