9.1 Intersections, Turns, U-Turns & Three-Point Turns

Many crashes are caused by improper turns. Massachusetts law makes it illegal to block an intersection: enter an intersection or cross a crosswalk only when there is room to get completely through. When you drive through an intersection, watch especially for bicyclists. If you are turning, yield to bicyclists going straight, and never cut in front of one.

The Six-Step Turning Routine

1. Plan the turn. Do not turn suddenly.
2. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn, or at least 500 feet on a highway. It is best to signal before you brake so others know why you are slowing.
3. Reduce your speed.
4. Check your mirrors and the blind spot on the side you are turning toward.
5. Yield the right-of-way when appropriate (Section 9.2).
6. Complete the turn into the proper lane. If you need to change lanes, do it after the turn.

Choosing the Lane

• Turn from the lane closest to the lane you want to enter: the far right lane for a right turn, and the lane closest to the center for a left turn.
• Do not swing wide. Keep the vehicle centered in the lanes you are leaving and entering.
• Follow through. Once you start a turn, do not stop mid-turn and change your mind. If you decide not to turn, drive on to the next intersection and work your way back.
• Where there are multiple turning lanes, follow the signs and pavement markings.
• Look for yellow or white lines on the road you are entering, and turn into the correct lane.

Turns on Red

You must come to a complete stop at a red light. You may then turn right unless NO TURN ON RED is posted, after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles. You may turn left on red only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, under the same conditions.

U-Turns

A U-turn is a tight left turn that reverses your direction. You may make one if your path is clear and it is safe, except:

• Where a NO U-TURN sign is posted
• From any lane but the one closest to the center line
• Where you lack room to finish without endangering oncoming vehicles
• At the crest of a hill, near a curve, or anywhere you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet away

Center Left-Turn Lanes

Some two-way roads have a center lane marked as a common left-turn lane for vehicles in both directions. Use it only to turn. You may not travel in it.

Three-Point Turns

When there is not enough room for a U-turn, a three-point turn (turning around between curbs) reverses your direction. It is also a road-test skill. Use it only when all of these are true:

• The street is narrow
• Visibility is good
• There are no public driveways to turn into
• Traffic is light
• The turn is legal
• There is no other option

Steps

1. Position yourself as close as possible to the right curb. Signal left. Check traffic and pedestrians both ways, including your blind spot, and wait for a 20 to 30 second gap.
2. Move slowly while turning the wheel quickly to the left, so you end up perpendicular to the street about two feet from the curb. Stop.
3. Turn the wheel fully to the right. Check traffic both ways, including the blind spot. Shift into reverse and back up while looking over your right shoulder.
4. Back toward the opposite curb and stop just before it.
5. Check traffic again, signal left, shift into drive (or first gear) and accelerate to a proper speed.

Backing Up

1. Position yourself as close as possible to the right edge of the curb.
2. Check for traffic both ways, including your blind spot.
3. Shift into reverse and back up while looking over your right shoulder, at a safe, smooth speed while keeping your lane.

Before you even get in, check behind the vehicle for children or animals. Do not rely only on mirrors, sensors or cameras, because blind spots can hide people (Section 10.1). The road test includes backing about 50 feet (Section 1.3).

Bicycles and Turns

Massachusetts law prohibits a driver who has just passed a bicyclist from turning right at an intersection or driveway unless the turn can be made at a safe distance from the rider and at a reasonable speed. That is the "right hook" crash described in Section 10.2. When turning left, yield to an oncoming bicycle just as you would to an oncoming car.

Scenarios

1. You want a U-turn just past the top of a hill: illegal and unsafe, because you cannot see 500 feet.
2. You realize mid-turn that it is the wrong street: complete the turn, then find a safe place to turn around.
3. The center lane has arrows in both directions: use it only to wait for a left turn, never as a passing or travel lane.