Must U-turns be made from the leftmost lane when there are two left-turn lanes?
3 Answers
Traffic laws do not explicitly require vehicles making U-turns in two left-turn lanes to use the leftmost lane. When making a U-turn, drivers should activate the left turn signal in advance, maintain a speed not exceeding 30 km/h, and must not impede other normally moving vehicles or pedestrians. Prohibited U-turn situations are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs are present: Any intersection displaying a no U-turn sign prohibits U-turns. Since a U-turn is an extension of a left turn movement, intersections with no left turn signs also prohibit U-turns. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: Drivers must not make U-turns on crosswalks. At intersections where U-turns are permitted, vehicles must completely cross the crosswalk before turning around. U-turns are prohibited when no left-turn lane exists: Even in the leftmost lane, U-turns are not permitted without explicit left-turn signage. U-turns are prohibited from the second left-turn lane: Vehicles stopped in the second left-turn lane cannot make U-turns. In the absence of any directional signs, U-turns may only be made from the innermost left-turn lane.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I believe when making a U-turn at an intersection with two left-turn lanes, it's best to use the leftmost one. Why? Because the leftmost lane is usually designed to minimize the turning radius, offering a higher safety margin. When you make a U-turn from there, you can directly turn to the opposite direction, avoiding crossing multiple lanes and potential collisions with oncoming vehicles. I've experienced heavy traffic at peak hours and once attempted a U-turn from the second lane—nearly causing an accident because the blind spot of an oncoming truck was too large to spot me. Safety first, especially at busy urban intersections with chaotic traffic. Even if some local rules permit U-turns from the right lane, I’d advise beginners to always choose the leftmost lane—don’t cut corners to save a little time. Developing this habit can significantly reduce risks and ensure you get home safely.
I drive to work every day and encounter this situation, where I usually have to make a U-turn from the leftmost lane. Traffic rules vary by location, but most areas designate the inner lane specifically for vehicles needing to make wide turns, with U-turns being a prime example. It’s important to check road signs, as some intersections may have markings prohibiting U-turns from the right lane. For safety, using the leftmost lane reduces the chance of collisions since oncoming straight-moving vehicles are often more on the right side. I remember a road test last year at a standard intersection—drivers making U-turns from the left lane mostly completed them smoothly, but those attempting from the right lane frequently had minor frictions. In short, make it a habit to use the inner lane. Follow the rules, stay calm, and driving will be much smoother.
