Can You Make a U-Turn at a Service Area?
2 Answers
It is not allowed to make a U-turn at a service area; you must follow the route to exit and find the nearest highway exit to leave. Below is relevant information: Introduction: A highway service area is a designated place for passengers and drivers to stop and rest, providing facilities such as parking lots, public restrooms, gas stations, vehicle repair shops, restaurants, and convenience stores, with an average spacing of about 50 kilometers. The construction scale of service areas should adapt to future traffic growth. Highway: Also known as an expressway, it refers to a road specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. The definition of a highway varies across different countries, regions, times, and academic research fields.
I've been driving for almost twenty years and often take long-distance trips. I've encountered many situations where I wanted to make a U-turn in a service area on the highway. Service areas are designed for one-way entry and exit, making direct U-turns impossible due to narrow lanes and frequent vehicle movements, which could easily lead to collisions with other cars or pedestrians. I remember one time when I witnessed a novice driver hastily attempting a U-turn in a service area, nearly causing a serious accident. The correct approach is to stop and rest, then exit normally and either find an interchange to make a U-turn or exit the highway to detour. Safety should always come first; it's not worth risking an accident just to save a little time. I usually advise drivers to check the map in advance to avoid entering the wrong way. Service areas are meant for relaxation, not for making U-turns.
