How to Make Left and Right Turns on an Overpass?
3 Answers
Here are the methods for making left and right turns on an overpass: 1. When driving a motor vehicle and encountering a turn on an overpass, reduce speed 100 to 50 meters before the exit, turn on the right turn signal, pay attention to the traffic dynamics in the rearview mirror, and avoid overtaking. When making a left turn on an overpass, drive past the bridge and then turn right into the ramp. 2. Cloverleaf Interchange: When passing through this type of interchange, all straight-moving vehicles continue in their original direction. Right-turning vehicles from all directions use the right-side ramp, while left-turning vehicles must first proceed straight over the overpass, then turn right into the ramp, and make a 180° right turn. 3. Rotary Interchange: When passing through this type of interchange, except for straight-moving vehicles on the lower-level road that can continue in their original direction, all other motor vehicles must enter the circular road and drive counterclockwise around the circle. The center is for one-way traffic; choose the exit direction leading to your desired route. 4. Diamond Interchange: In this type of interchange, straight-moving vehicles use the overpass, right-turning vehicles travel on the ramp, and left-turning vehicles use at-grade intersections on the secondary road. 5. Two-Level Rotary Interchange: Straight-moving vehicles on the main road are separated from vehicles on the intersecting road. Vehicles can make left turns or U-turns at the circular section. 6. Full Interchange Overpass: Apart from the cloverleaf design, most urban overpasses use right-turn methods for entering and exiting. Once on the overpass, left turns are strictly prohibited. If you miss your exit on the overpass, you must continue driving, complete another loop, and exit at the correct junction. Reversing or making U-turns is strictly forbidden.
When making a left turn on an overpass, you should slow down to a safe speed in advance, turn on the left turn signal to alert vehicles behind you, and keep an eye on the traffic lights and oncoming traffic to ensure there are no straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians blocking your path. The curves on overpasses are usually steep or have sharp turns, which can create blind spots, so steer smoothly to avoid sudden turns and maintain vehicle stability to prevent loss of control. Right turns are similar but require extra attention to blind spots, such as motorcycles or bicycles suddenly approaching from behind. It’s best to glance over your right shoulder and check the right-side window before making a gradual turn. In daily driving, I’ve found that maintaining a speed of 30-40 km/h is the safest approach. Using GPS navigation to familiarize yourself with the bridge’s layout and practicing a few times will help you get the hang of it—safety first, don’t rush.
When making a turn on an overpass, always check the left rearview mirror and blind spot before turning left, slow down, and activate the left turn signal. Wait patiently until the light turns green or there are no vehicles before proceeding, as the slope of the bridge can affect braking efficiency, and sudden movements may cause skidding. Right turns are riskier due to obstructed views from bridge pillars or curves, requiring frequent checks of the right rearview mirror and even leaning out to watch for pedestrians or electric bikes. For safety, always maintain a two-second following distance and do not exceed the posted speed limit. If you feel a loss of control, apply gentle braking. Experienced drivers note that high bridges with strong winds can cause vehicle sway, so beginners should practice during off-peak hours to gradually build confidence.
