A 3-minute lesson from the Oregon course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Intersections are where paths cross, so they're where right-of-way rules matter most. A defensive driver never assumes a stop sign or signal will stop the other car. U-turns are banned where other drivers can't see you in time.
U-turns are prohibited:
At intersections controlled by a traffic signal, unless a sign permits the turn
At a stop sign, steady red or flashing red signal, stop before the marked stop line or crosswalk. With neither, stop before the unmarked crossing area.
At an intersection with no signs or signals, look left first to make sure cross traffic is yielding, then ahead and to the right. Be ready to stop, and check again as you enter.
You reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same moment as a car on the cross street to your right. Yield to that car — at intersections without signs or signals, vehicles approaching from your right go first.
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.
Within city limits, U-turns are prohibited where your vehicle cannot be seen by approaching traffic within:
500 feet
200 feet
1,000 feet
100 feet
Answer: 500 feet
In cities, U-turns are barred where visibility is under 500 feet.