A 3-minute lesson from the Massachusetts course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Sometimes you need to reverse direction. A U-turn is quickest where legal and safe; on a narrow street, a three-point turn may be the answer. Both require clear sight lines and patience.
U-turn
A tight left turn that puts you in the opposite direction. Allowed if your path is clear, it's safe, and no NO U-TURN sign is posted.
On some two-way roads, a center lane is marked as a common left-turn lane for vehicles in both directions. You may not travel in a center turning lane.
Don't rely only on mirrors or sensors when backing: blind spots can hide people. Before getting in, check behind the vehicle for children or animals, and turn your head to look out the window before you back up.
On a quiet, narrow street with no driveways, you need to turn around. From the right curb, signal left, wait for a 20-30 second gap in both directions, and then make your three-point 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.
From which lane must you begin a legal U-turn?
The lane next to the center
Any lane you're already in
The rightmost lane only
A dedicated U-turn lane only
Answer: The lane next to the center
A U-turn may only be made from the lane closest to the center line.
