Chapter 7 · Lesson 5 of 38
Center turn lanes and U-turns
4 min read · Safe Vehicle Operation
Figures in this lesson
Explanation
Center left-turn lanes. Busy roads with many places to turn left often have a center lane only for left-turning vehicles. It is usually marked by a CENTER LANE ONLY sign with alternating arrows or by pavement arrows, though some have neither. Never use it to pass, and watch for oncoming drivers entering it to turn in front of you.
U-turns are potentially dangerous; make one only where it is not prohibited.
- Always yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
- Never make a U-turn on a curve or when approaching the crest of a hill or grade.
- Never make a U-turn on an interstate. Go to the next exit and re-enter in the opposite direction.
Median U-turn (J-turn) intersections. Here the left turn is not allowed at the intersection itself. You go through the intersection and make a U-turn at a median opening ahead. Signs guide you.
Example
You missed your turn on a divided highway that has a J-turn intersection. Follow the signs: go straight through, make the U-turn at the median opening after yielding.
Common mistake
Using the empty center turn lane as a passing lane. It is only for left turns.
What the manual says
Busy roads on which there are many places a vehicle may make a left turn often have a center lane designated solely for the left-turning vehicles.
Never use this type of center lane for passing other vehicles.
Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway. Instead, proceed to the next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction
Sources
- Manual p. 39
“Busy roads on which there are many places a vehicle may make a left turn often have a center lane designated solely for the left-turning vehicles.”
- Manual p. 39
“Always be aware that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may be entering the center lane to turn left in front of your vehicle.”
- Manual p. 39
“Never use this type of center lane for passing other vehicles.”
- Manual p. 39
“identified by a sign with alternate directional arrows that state "CENTER LANE ONLY" or with pavement arrows, although some center lanes do not have signs or pavement arrows.”
- Manual p. 39
“Never make a U-turn on a curve in the road or when approaching the crest of a hill or grade”
- Manual p. 39
“Never make a U-turn on an interstate highway. Instead, proceed to the next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction”
- Manual p. 39
“These are known as median U-turn or J-turn intersections and signs are provided to guide drivers.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3