Can You Brake When Making a U-Turn?
2 Answers
You can brake when making a U-turn. Situations where U-turns are prohibited are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there are 'No U-turn' signs or 'No Left Turn' signs: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. The action of making a U-turn is an extension of a left turn, so if there is a 'No Left Turn' sign at an intersection, U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If making a U-turn is permitted at an intersection, you must cross the crosswalk before turning around; do not make a U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even if you are in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign permitting left turns, U-turns are not allowed. U-turns are prohibited within the second left-turn lane: When a vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles can only make U-turns from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: Do not make a U-turn at a solid yellow line. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, you must wait for the green light and cross the stop line before turning around. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and 12 demerit points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue driving to the next exit to leave the highway; never attempt an illegal U-turn out of recklessness.
After driving for so many years, I can tell you that braking during a U-turn is possible, but it must be done with caution. U-turns are typically performed at low speeds, and the safest range is generally below 15-20 km/h. If you slam on the brakes abruptly during the turn, the vehicle's center of gravity will shift forward suddenly, which could lead to skidding or loss of control—especially on slippery roads, where it's even more dangerous. Modern cars with ABS systems can help prevent wheel lock-up, but it's best not to rely on them entirely. My advice is: slow down to a reasonable speed before initiating the U-turn and maintain good steering control. If you feel you're going too fast during the turn and need to brake, gently tap the brake pedal to assist in slowing down—avoid pressing too hard. This approach ensures a smooth maneuver and helps prevent accidents.
