Which lane should you generally take after making a turn or U-turn?
3 Answers
Left U-turns must first enter the fast lane. Relevant information about turning and U-turns is as follows: Right turn: When preparing to make a right turn, you should first enter the outer lane, turning from the outer lane to the outer lane, which is the slow lane. Left turn: When preparing to make a left turn, you should first enter the inner lane, turning from the inner lane to the outer lane, which is the slow lane. U-turn: When a vehicle needs to make a U-turn, it must do so from the left side, meaning it must first enter the fast lane, make the U-turn at an appropriate section of the road, while paying attention to oncoming traffic and yielding in time. To ensure smoother traffic flow, regulations require that when making a U-turn, you should enter the adjacent lane, i.e., the fast lane.
I've been driving for over a decade, and generally recommend taking the rightmost lane after making a U-turn, the one closest to the curb. Why? Because this avoids suddenly cutting into the middle or left lanes, blocking vehicles in the through lanes and compromising others' commuting safety. Some intersections have special designs, like dedicated U-turn lanes or signs, in which case you should follow the markings. But most of the time, entering and exiting from the right is the standard practice to prevent accidents. I remember once during rush hour, I accidentally entered the middle lane after a U-turn and got honked at aggressively by the car behind me—quite a scare. Since then, I've learned to always check carefully before maneuvering, especially during peak hours when there's heavy traffic. Don't rush to change lanes after turning; safety comes first. By the way, if there are bike lanes or pedestrian zones, be extra careful not to encroach on the right-side non-motorized lanes, as that can easily cause trouble. In short, developing good habits saves a lot of hassle.
I prioritize safety when driving and always remind myself to immediately move into the outermost lane after making a U-turn. This helps reduce the risk of conflicts with other vehicles, as abruptly swerving into the left lane could lead to rear-end collisions or sudden braking accidents. Traffic regulations clearly require entering the corresponding direction lane after turning, especially adhering to the right-side priority principle. During nighttime or rainy conditions with poor visibility and slippery roads, I take extra care to ensure smooth maneuvers. It's also crucial to stay alert to changing road conditions, such as adjusting position promptly if there are construction signs. Regularly observing surrounding traffic flow is highly beneficial—avoid distractions. Developing this habit not only ensures compliance but also makes journeys smoother and worry-free.
