U-turn (maneuver)
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- U-turn redirects here. For other meanings, see U-turn (disambiguation).
A U-turn in driving refers to performing a 180 degree rotation in order to reverse your direction. It is called a "U-turn" because the maneuver looks like the letter U. In some areas, the maneuver is illegal, while in others it is treated as a more ordinary turn, merely extended. In still other areas lanes are occasionally marked "U-Turn only".
Sometimes, on a divided highway, special U-turn ramps exist to allow traffic to make a U-turn.
In most areas across the United States and Canada, U-turns are legal unless otherwise posted. There are, however, a few states and provinces that prohibit U-turns at all times. These include the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the State of Illinois, to name a few. Many places, including Texas and Georgia, have specially-designed U-turn lanes (referred to as Texas U-turn lanes).
A highly dangerous form of U-turn is the "bootleg turn," allegedly originated during Prohibition when a vehicle carrying a load of illegal alcohol might need to make a fast turn when confronted by a roadblock.de:U-Turn
