Turnabout planning — Rhode Island Permit Test

Before a turnabout, make sure you can see clearly 500 feet in each direction.

Turning across the road with a short view lets a fast car arrive before you are done.

You have clear visibility in each direction for a distance of five hundred (500) feet.

Make a turnabout at least 200 feet from an intersection.

A car turning around near a corner meets traffic turning in from the side street.

You are at least two hundred (200) feet from an intersection.

When making a turnabout, you cannot cross a solid yellow line at any time.

A solid yellow line marks where passing and crossing are too risky.

You cannot cross a solid yellow line at any time.

Do not plan a turnabout near hills or curves that could block your view of oncoming traffic.

A car coming over a hill cannot see you stopped across the road until it is too late to stop.

There are no hills or curves nearby which could obstruct your view of on-coming traffic.

In Rhode Island you may make a U-turn only when it is allowed and does not interfere with the free flow of traffic in either direction.

A car swinging around in a busy road forces drivers both ways to brake hard.

In Rhode Island, you may make a “U” turn only when it is allowed and does not interfere with the free flow of traffic in either direction.

Before a U-turn or three-point turn, signal your intent with your left turn signal or your four-way hazard lights.

Drivers behind cannot guess that a car stopped at the curb is about to swing across the road.

Signal your intent with your left turn signal or turn on your four-way hazard lights.

How far must you be able to see in each direction to plan a turnabout?

500 feet. Turning across the road with a short view lets a fast car arrive before you are done. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.30: “You have clear visibility in each direction for a distance of five hundred (500) feet.”