U-turn is done and performed by turning your car or any vehicle around at an intersection to get on in the opposite direction by using oncoming lanes. Making U-turns can be dangerous and illegal maneuvers as they are an unexpected element in the normal traffic flow. But there are times that you prefer to turn your vehicle around when driving especially if you drive too far on the road or you miss a turn, there are different ways to have a U-turn safely.

Motor Vehicle Act

The Motor Vehicle Act prohibits U-turns, making it illegal under these circumstances:

• when a U-turn interferes with other traffic.
• at the ridge of a hill
• in a curve
• if there’s a sign that prohibits U-turns.
• at an intersection that is being controlled by a Traffic Control Signal (traffic light) unless being permitted by a traffic control device.
• In a business district, except at a crossing where there’s no traffic control signal that is present.

U-turns Are Not Permitted

In urban areas, doing U-turns are not permitted at an alley intersection, on a roadway in between intersections, and at an intersection where 1 or more of the roadways is an access to a private or public parking lot wherein the public can access. In rural or outside urban areas, U-turns are prohibited on a curve, and when you are approaching to or near the crest of a hill wherein the driver of another vehicle can’t see you that is approaching within 150 meters from either direction.

How to Do a U-turn Safely

Before making a U-turn, check first to ensure that there’s no sign telling not to or U-turn is not authorized. To do a U-turn in the right way, you must see to it that both directions are all clear. Never do a U-turn unless you see well at least 150 meters in all directions. To do this, first, you need to have a signal for having a right turn. Check the mirrorr if your vehicle and pull over to the right corner of the road. Then have a signal for a left turn and when the traffic is clear in two directions, start to move forward and have a turn sharply and quickly into the contrary lane. Always check for any traffic as you turn.

Three-Point Turn

On a narrow road, you can make a 3-point turn so you can change directions. A three-point turn begins from the far road right side. Ensure that you will not make this turn on any road curve, on or a hilltop or railway crossing, or near a tunnel or bridge that can block your view. To make this kind of turn, use signal on your vehicle for a left turn. If the way is all clear, move forward by turning the steering wheel left towards the curb. If you reach the left corner of the road, you must stop. Then shift it into reverse and indicate for a right turn signal. After seeing that the both ways are still clear, turn it to the right while you back it up slowly to the other side then stop. Shift into forwarding gear and keep checking on traffic. When it is clear, then you can drive forward.