How to Make a U-Turn

Are you driving the wrong way? Did you take a wrong turn somewhere? You should be going the opposite direction, right? No worries, hang a U-turn and correct the problem.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cars

1. Switch on the turn signal that indicates the direction of your turn.

2. Check for oncoming traffic.

3. Make sure that a U-turn is not illegal in this location. U-turns should not be made across a double yellow line or where signs indicate that they are against the law.

4. Be sure that you have enough room to make the turn without hitting the curb or any parked cars.

5. Press the gas lightly while turning the steering wheel as far as it will go in the direction you want to turn.

6. Lift your foot off the gas and coast through the turn. Give gas as needed.

7. Enter your new lane and begin driving.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to watch for and avoid pedestrians, cyclists or anyone getting out of a parked car while you're completing your turn.
• Some states (Oregon, for example) do not allow U-turns, and therefore do not post signs saying "No U-turn." Be familiar with local traffic laws if you plan to drive in other states.

[baldilocks]

on 2/11/2009 Anonymous is describing how to make a handbrake turn not a u-turn. Handbrake turns are dangerous when executed by someone who doesn't know what he/she is doing.

on 11/22/2005 Position one hand on the steering wheel in a way that will allow you to quickly turn it one full circle. With a manual car, keep one hand on the handbrake with the release button already pressed (but with an automatic, shift into neutral first, then get ready with the handbrake). Now, the key here is to start turning before you pull the handbrake. Ease off on the accelerator, floor the clutch (or in the case of an automatic, go into neutral) and quickly yank the steering wheel smoothly either left or right (or on whichever side you have more space to make a turn) until it locks. A split second after you start turning, quickly yank the handbrake lever (or, as with most American cars, apply the foot-operated e-brake), locking the rear wheels completely. At this point, you will start rotating and really feel the lateral G building up. As you are rotating, you should gradually bring your steering wheel to the center again and straighten out your front wheels. In the end, you will more or less be facing the opposite direction, at a complete stop, or moving backward slowly. You can judiciously apply the normal foot brake (or not at all) to control the end of the rotation precisely and stop moving backward.

If you're feeling particularly destructive, you could go one up. While rotating, when you've completed about three-fourth of the 180 with the clutch pedal depressed, shift into first gear, release the handbrake (or e-brake), floor the accelerator and dump the clutch, performing all one by one quickly. You will start moving again as you complete the turn, spinning your wheels and kicking up some tire smoke if you have enough power. If you spin more than 180 degrees, you can apply some counter steer to straighten out your car while driving away. With an automatic, just move from neutral to Drive, then floor the accelerator.

on 11/22/2005 The easiest way to pull a U-Turn is at an intersection (usually in residential areas, or empty business districts). Granted, this is probably illegal (especially in areas that prohibit u-turns) but it's easier to do.

on 11/22/2005 In NY, U-turns are okay over double yellow lines. They're not okay in business districts (where most of the yellow lines are). It's okay to cross over double yellow lines, but it's not okay to pass. A U-turn is crossing, not passing.