When to make a legal U-turn

Taking a wrong turn or taking the wrong road when traveling is almost inevitable. However, knowing when it is legal to make a U-turn, a turn that causes a vehicle to reverse its direction of travel, can be challenging.

State laws

Most states have different rules and laws governing this type of turn, making it difficult to know when it is acceptable and when it is not acceptable to execute a U-turn when traveling from state to state.

Safe does not mean legal

Most people assume that, unless otherwise directed or prohibited, for example by a sign displaying an illegal U-turn symbol, execute a U-turn on a safe and open part of a road or highway. it is legal as long as the vehicle making the turn does so. not endanger anyone else on the road. Unfortunately, signs explaining the legality of executing a U-turn in a certain area are generally not prominently displayed, if they exist at all.

To make this law more complicated, states often have regulations that allow local governments to better define the legality of a U-turn in their own city and county area.

Following the rules

Even if you knew the U-turn rules for the state you’re passing through while traveling, local law enforcement could arrest you and fine you for making an illegal U-turn in that city.

Although knowing when to make a U-turn can be challenging, following these guidelines will help reduce the likelihood of violating a city U-turn law.

1. Never make a U-turn where there is a sign posted in or around the area prohibiting U-turns.

2. Do not make a U-turn if you are at the top or bottom of a hill or around a curve.

3. Make sure you look around and check for police officers, and if you see one, try not to make a U-turn, regardless of legality.

4. When in the middle of the block, do not make a U-turn in urban / residential areas as it is dangerous for people in the area.

5. Lastly, do not make a U-turn that requires you to pass a solid line on the road.

Of course, the easiest way to ensure that you would not receive a ticket would be not to perform a U-turn at all. Going off the road at the next possible exit, going around the block, executing multiple turns, or rerouting your travel plans with a GPS or mapping system would ensure that you comply with the laws of wherever you travel.

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