Turns, lanes, passing and parking
In which of these situations is a U-turn NOT permitted?
- At an intersection on a green light, where no NO U-TURN sign is posted.
- In a residential district when no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet.
- Anywhere you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction. Correct answer
Why
A U-turn puts your vehicle broadside across the road, so the rule is built around visibility: the handbook never allows a U-turn where you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction, for example near a hill crest or a curve. The other two options are on the handbook's list of places where a U-turn is allowed: at an intersection on a green light or green arrow unless a sign prohibits it, and in a residential district when no vehicle is approaching within 200 feet. Other places where a U-turn is never allowed: at or on a railroad crossing; on a one-way street; anywhere in front of a fire station; across a dividing section or two sets of double yellow lines; and in a business district except at an intersection or a divided-highway opening.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Anywhere you cannot see clearly for 200 feet in each direction.
The rule behind this one
Turns, lanes, passing and parking in California goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on turns, lanes, passing and parking
- You park facing uphill on a street that has a curb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?
- On a city street, how far before you turn should you begin signaling?
- When may you turn left at a red light in California?
- You want to pass a slow vehicle on a two-lane road. Within what distance of an intersection, bridge, tunnel, or railroad crossing is passing NOT allowed?