U-turns
A U-turn is when you turn your vehicle around at an intersection to travel in the opposite direction. Before making a U-turn, check that:
- there are no signs prohibiting U-turns
- you have adequate sight distance so you have time to finish the turn before encountering oncoming traffic. For example, in a 60 km/h area, you need a sight time of at least 20 seconds each way. In a 100 km/h area, you need 40 seconds sight distance clear of vehicles each way
- you have enough room to make the turn in one swing
If there is any doubt whether a U-turn can be made safely and with minimal disruption to traffic, go around the block.
The procedure for making a U-turn:
- Check that the turn is allowed and the way is clear.
- Signal the turn and approach as you would a left turn.
- Move very slowly. Turn the wheel into a full lock as soon as you can (use hand over hand).
- Once you are on full lock, slightly increase your speed.
- Throughout the turn, check to see that the way is still clear (both ways).
- Complete the turn. Before the car is straight, start unwinding the wheel (hand over hand).
- Straighten your front wheels.
- Proceed as normal.
U-turns are prohibited at traffic lights unless permitted by a sign.
When making U-turns every effort should be made to complete the turn in the most extreme left driving lane.
Two-point turns
Before making a two-point turn, check that you have adequate sight distance so that you have time to finish the turn before any possible vehicle conflict occurs. For example, in a 60 km/h area, you need a sight time of at least 20 seconds each way. In a 100 km/h area, you need 40 seconds sight distance clear of vehicles, each way.
- Well before the place where you wish to turn around, signal right, shoulder check, position your vehicle in the right lane and slow down.
- Cancel the signal, proceed past the intersection, and stop your vehicle as far right as possible.
You may also move to the far right after the intersection and stop your vehicle as illustrated below. Choose whichever method can be done most safely given the traffic flow.
- Signal right or turn on four-way flashers. Check for traffic.
- Begin slowly backing up. When the rear bumper is even with the intersection, turn wheels sharply to the right. Be careful that the front of your car does not swing out into traffic. As you back into the approach, straighten the wheels and stop.
- Signal for a left turn, check for traffic and proceed to make a left turn into the left driving lane.
