11.2 Intersections, Turns, U-Turns, Three-Point Turns & Backing

"Many motor vehicle crashes are caused by improper turns." Turning procedure is central to the road test: left and right turns, three-point turns and backing are all scored. It is also central to the Standards of Fault, since left turns, U-turns and backing are among the 19 (section 7.2).

Intersections

Intersections are where two or more roads meet. Signals, signs or markings usually control them, and some roads have multiple turn lanes marked by signs or markings.

• It is illegal to block an intersection. Enter, or cross a crosswalk, only if there is room to drive through safely. Blocking vehicles or pedestrians causes jams and breaks the law.
• Watch for bicyclists. Give them space, check twice for approaching cyclists, and when turning yield to cyclists going straight. Never cut in front of a bicyclist.

The Turning Procedure

1. Plan the turn. Don't turn suddenly.
2. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn (at least 500 feet on a highway). It is best to signal before braking, so others know your intention.
3. Reduce your speed.
4. Check your mirrors for traffic behind and the blind spot on the turning side.
5. Give the right-of-way when appropriate (section 11.3).
6. Complete the turn into the proper lane.

Lane rules for turns

• Turn from the lane closest to the lane you want to enter. For a right turn, use the far right lane; for a left turn, the lane closest to the center.
• Don't swing wide or swing out of your lane. Keep centered in the lanes you leave and enter.
• Turn into the proper lane; look for the yellow or white lines on the road you are entering. Change lanes only after the turn.
• Once a turn has begun, follow through. Don't stop mid-turn and change direction. If you change your mind, go to the next intersection and work your way back.

The Manual's diagrams show the four basic turns: right turn; left turn from a two-way road to a two-way road; left turn from a two-way road to a one-way road; and left turn from a one-way road to a two-way road.

Turns on Red

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 rules. Massachusetts applies these rules to a steady red arrow as well (section 9.2).

U-Turns

A U-turn is a tight left turn that reverses your direction. It is allowed when your path is clear and it is safe, and never where NO U-TURN is posted.

• Make it only from the lane closest to the center line.
• Make sure there is enough room to finish, and don't create a hazard for oncoming vehicles.
• Never make a U-turn at the crest of a hill, near a curve or anywhere you or other drivers cannot see 500 feet.

Center Left-Turn Lanes

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

Three-Point Turns

When a U-turn isn't possible, a three-point turn ("turning around between curbs" on the road test) reverses direction. Use it only when all of these are true:

• the street is narrow;
• there is good visibility;
• there are no public driveways to turn into;
• traffic is light;
• the turn is legal;
• there is no other option.

The steps

1. Position the vehicle as close as possible to the right curb. Signal left. Check traffic and pedestrians in both directions, including your blind spot. Wait for a 20–30 second gap.
2. Move slowly while turning the wheel quickly to the left, bringing the vehicle perpendicular to the street about two feet from the curb. Stop.
3. Turn the wheel fully to the right. Check both directions and your 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 in both directions, including the blind spot. Signal left, shift into drive (first gear in a manual) and accelerate to the proper speed.

Backing Up

The road test includes backing about 50 feet. The Manual's steps:

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

Before backing out of a driveway, check behind the vehicle for children or animals before getting in, and turn your head and look out the window. Don't rely only on mirrors or sensors (section 6.1). Backing collisions are a Standard of Fault.

Correcting Common Turning Errors