A U-turn in driving refers to performing a 180° rotation to reverse the direction of travel. It is called a "U-turn" because the maneuver looks like the letter U. In some areas, the maneuver is illegal, while in others, it is treated as a more ordinary turn, merely extended. In still other areas, lanes are occasionally marked "U-turn permitted" or even "U-turn only." Occasionally, on a divided highway, special U-turn ramps exist to allow traffic to make a U-turn, though often their use is restricted to emergency and police vehicles only. In the United States, U-turn regulations vary by state: in Indiana U-turns are allowed as long as the driver follows all of the precautions normally ascribed to making a left turn. Many places, including Texas and Georgia, have specially designed U-turn lanes. In Michigan, U-turns are required for many left turns to and from divided highways, as part of the Michigan left maneuver. In some special situations, U-turns can be regulated through the use of a traffic light, where it is the only directional choice and drivers in the specified lane cannot continue forward.
Prohibited U-turns
U-turns are often prohibited for various reasons. Sometimes a sign indicates the legality of U-turns. However, traffic regulations in many jurisdictions specifically prohibit certain types of U-turns. Laws vary by jurisdiction as to when a U-turn may or may not be legal. Examples of jurisdictions with codified U-turn prohibitions include the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the U.S. states of Colorado and Oregon. In Alberta, U-turns are prohibited in certain circumstances, for example :
At the crest of a hill or on a curve unless the driver can see at least 150 m ahead
In Taiwan, Article 49 of the Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road traffic Regulations administratively fines a motorist 600 to 1800 new Taiwan dollars for any of the following unlawful U-turn:
Making a U-turn on a curve, a slope, a narrow road, a narrow bridge, or a tunnel.
Making a U-turn at a road segment signed No U-turn or painted double solid yellow or white lines or no-overtaking lines.
Making a U-turn at a road segment prohibiting left turn.
Not surrounding a roundabout to make a U-turn in such an intersection.
Before making a U-turn, failing to stop or signal left turn as required, or making a U-turn without paying attention to vehicles or pedestrians passing by.
In addition, a Taiwanese driver license is demerited one point for an unlawful U-turn pursuant to Article 63 of the same Act unless the license has been suspended or revoked. Furthermore, the same Act makes a U-turn on a railway level crossing a violation for drivers of motorized and non-motorized vehicles:
Article 54: A driver of a motor vehicle shall be administratively fined 6000 to 12000 new Taiwan dollars for making a U-turn on a railway level crossing. Should an accident occur, the driver license shall also be revoked, which is for life pursuant to Article 67. This lifetime revocation used to be absolute, but the amendment of the law proclaimed on 28 December 2005 and effective on 1 July 2006 has allowed a possible waiver after serving at least six years of the revocation.
Article 75: A driver of a non-motorized vehicle shall be administratively fined 1200 to 2400 New Taiwan dollars for making a U-turn on a railway level crossing.
Philippines
The Department of Public Works and Highways has blamed the huge number of U-turn slots as well as the improper position of pedestrian lanes especially along Commonwealth Avenue as among the road hazards. Secretary Rogelio Singson said based on a study conducted by road safety and traffic experts under the international road assessment program, U-turn slots are good “for a certain traffic volume” but not effective in all situations. The construction of the U-turn slots started during the term of Bayani Fernando as part of the agency’s measures to improve the flow of traffic. Fernando even constructed an elevated U-turn slot, the first in the country, along C-5 Road despite the opposition from several sectors.
