U-turns 2/ 5
California

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Use this only if the road is too narrow for a U-turn. It’s best to go around the block if you can.

This should only be used on a two-lane road. Check the mirrors and signal a right turn. Stop on the right side of the road. Turn on your left turn signal, check traffic and check over your left shoulder.

When traffic is clear, turn hard left and drive to the other side of the road and stop. Shift to reverse. Check traffic and check your blind spots to both sides.

When traffic is clear, turn hard right and back up to the other side of the road and stop. Shift to drive and turn on the left turn signal. Check traffic and blind spots.

When traffic is clear, turn hard left and drive forward into the right lane heading in the new direction. Check traffic and cancel your turn signal.

Never make a U-turn:

  • At or on a railroad crossing.
  • On a divided highway by crossing a dividing section, curb, strip of land, or two sets of double yellow lines.
  • Where you cannot see clearly 200 feet in each direction because of a curve, hill, rain, fog, or other reason.
  • Where a “No U-Turn” sign is posted.
  • When other vehicles may hit you.
  • On a one-way street.
  • In front of a fire station. Never use a fire station driveway to turn your vehicle around.
  • In business districts. Areas with churches, apartments, multifamily housing units, and public buildings (except schools) are also considered to be business districts. Turn only at an intersectio