U-turns Only when nobody is within 200 feet
To make a U-turn, signal and use the left-turn lane or the far-left lane. In a residential district, turn only when no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet. Never make a U-turn where a NO U-TURN sign is posted, on a one-way street, or where you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.
CVC 22100.5 · CVC 22102 · CVC 22103 · CVC 22105 · CA Driver's Handbook, "U-Turn"
When can you make a U-turn in California?
Where no sign forbids it and you can see 200 feet both ways. In a residential district, only when no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet (CVC 22103, 22105).
Why this rule exists
A U-turn takes the whole width of the road, and for a moment your car stands across it. You need to see far enough to know nobody will arrive while you turn.
Step by step on the road
- Check for a NO U-TURN sign, and make sure you are not on a one-way street.
- Signal left and move into the left-turn lane or the far-left lane.
- Look both ways and behind you. You need a clear view of 200 feet in each direction.
- On a residential street, wait until no vehicle is coming within 200 feet.
- Turn in one smooth move.
Common mistakes
- Turning while a car is less than 200 feet away on a residential street.
- Starting the U-turn from a lane other than the far-left lane.
- Turning where you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.
- Missing a NO U-TURN sign at the intersection.
On the DMV drive test
DL 955 and the DL 32 score sheet do not list the U-turn as a scored maneuver on the class C drive test. DL 955 says the examiner will not ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe, and watches your traffic check, how you look for and react to traffic, in every action.
Based on the DMV’s Driving Test Criteria (DL 955) and its score sheet (DL 32). How the drive test works ›Questions people ask
Can you make a U-turn at a green light in California?
Yes, unless a NO U-TURN sign is posted. At a traffic signal you make it from the far-left lane (CVC 22100.5).
Can you make a U-turn across a double yellow line in California?
Yes, the Handbook allows a U-turn across a double yellow line. Never across two sets of double yellow lines: those work as a barrier.
Can you make a U-turn in a business district?
Only at an intersection, or on a divided highway where an opening has been provided (CVC 22102).
Test yourself
Kees' three questions on this rule, the “Did you know?” facts and his tip come with the drive, in Voorrah! Pro.
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