LANSDALE BOROUGH- This week’s Traffic Talk focuses on U-turns.  We see it often—drivers miss a turn and immediately try to turn around in the middle of the road. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it creates a dangerous situation.  U-turns are generally permitted unless posted otherwise, but there are limits.  If your U-turn interferes with other traffic, it is illegal.

Before making a U-turn:

• Make sure you can see clearly in both directions
  If you can’t see approaching traffic, don’t do it.

• Yield to other vehicles and pedestrians
  Oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

• Do not force other drivers to slow down, stop, or swerve
  If your maneuver affects traffic, it’s not legal.

• Avoid hills, curves, and busy intersections
  Limited visibility and traffic increase the risk.

If you miss your turn, the safest option is often to continue to a safer location to turn around.

PA Law Reference – Title 75 § 3332 (Limitations on Turning Around)

Drivers may not turn a vehicle to proceed in the opposite direction unless the movement can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic.

U-turns are also prohibited on curves or near the crest of a hill where the vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers within 500 feet.

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