Can I Make a U-Turn Before Entering the Highway?
4 Answers
Before entering the highway, you can make a U-turn if there is a U-turn sign; otherwise, it is not allowed. Scenarios where U-turns are permitted include: Presence of U-turn traffic lights or signs: When there is a U-turn traffic light at an intersection, you can make a U-turn when the U-turn light is green. If there is a U-turn sign or a U-turn marking on the lane, you can make a U-turn after ensuring the safety of yourself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition of U-turns): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are permitted and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns. It is important to note that vehicles should proceed according to the left-turn traffic signal without affecting the normal flow of other vehicles. If you need to make a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can first enter the left-turn waiting area when the straight-through light is green and wait until the left-turn light turns green before making the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Whether it is a white or yellow dashed line, U-turns are permitted. For double yellow lines with one solid and one dashed, check if your side is the dashed line. If it is, you can make a U-turn safely; if it is solid, U-turns are not allowed.
As a frequent long-distance traveler, I always exercise extra caution when considering a U-turn before a highway entrance. The traffic there is dense, with vehicles accelerating to merge, and attempting a U-turn against the flow can easily lead to severe rear-end or side collisions. Traffic regulations generally prohibit such maneuvers unless there's a specific sign or signal permitting it—otherwise, it's best not to attempt it at all. I once witnessed an accident where a driver making a U-turn was struck by an oncoming truck, and the scene was horrific. My advice is to plan your route in advance using a navigation app to avoid getting stuck near the entrance, or drive a bit further to a service area for a safer turnaround. Remember, saving a few minutes isn't worth risking your life—highway driving is already a high-pressure environment, and any violation of the rules magnifies the danger.
When I encounter a situation before a highway entrance while driving, my first reaction is to check for any no U-turn signs—most places have them. Forcing a U-turn there is highly risky: fast traffic, poor visibility, high accident risk, and potential traffic fines. For instance, last time I was in a hurry and almost made a U-turn there, but luckily noticed a large truck speeding in from the side just in time. It's best to check road conditions in advance or find a safer spot like under an overpass after passing the entrance. Experience tells me not to take risks for minor conveniences.
When I first got my driver's license, I hesitated at the highway entrance about whether to make a U-turn, and my coach immediately yelled to stop me. He explained that it was a safety black spot, and making a U-turn there could catch the following cars off guard, leading to a collision. Generally, it's not allowed by the rules, and police often set up traps to catch such behavior. It's recommended to drive straight to the next exit or a designated U-turn area instead of risking a major loss for a minor gain.
