U-turn
A U-turn in driving refers to performing a 180 degree rotation in order to reverse 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 only".
Sometimes, on a divided highway, special U-turn ramps exist to allow traffic to make a U-turn.
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 (yielding right-of-way, etc.). Many places, including Texas and Georgia, have specially-designed U-turn lanes (referred to as Texas 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.
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 Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the State of Illinois.[1] In Alberta, U-Turns are prohibited in certain circumstances, for example (ref. Alberta Regulation 304/2002, Division 7):
- At the crest of a hill or on a curve unless the driver can see at least 150 m ahead,
- Anywhere a sign prohibits a U-Turn,
- In urban areas between intersections,
- At alleys and driveways,
- At an intersection controlled by a traffic signal (unless signage or signals specifically allow this maneuver),
- By a school bus on an undivided highway or on a divided highway where the length of the bus is longer than the width of the median between the two carriageways.
Taiwan
In Taiwan administered by the Republic of China with right-hand traffic, Article 49 of the Act Governing the Punishment of Violation of Road traffic Regulations (zh:道路交通管理處罰條例) administratively fines a motorist 600 to 1800 new Taiwan dollars for any of the following unlawful u-turn:
- Making a U-turn at a road segment signed 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 insisting to make 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.
Other
A highly dangerous form of U-turn is the "bootleg turn," allegedly originated during Prohibition when a vehicle carrying a load of illegal alcohol might need to make a fast turn when confronted by a roadblock.
Making a U-turn in the southwestern Pennsylvania region is popularly known as "flipping a bitch". The origin of the name comes from a practice of the Polish mafia, who would often carry hostages in the trunks of their cars.[citation needed] If the hostage became too violent, the driver could perform a U-turn or bootleg turn to slam her against the inside of the trunk.[citation needed]
See also
References
- ^ (625 ILCS 5/) Illinois Vehicle Code www.ilga.gov
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