Support us

U-turnAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Australia

43. U-turn

A U-turn is a driving manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns around to travel in the opposite direction. It normally involves crossing part of the roadway and re-entering traffic facing the direction from which the vehicle came.

Before making a U-turn, the driver should check surrounding traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, signal when required and make sure there is enough visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or on particular types of roads.

U-turn
U-turn prohibited on Anzac Parade. (Kensington, Sydney, Australia)
Wikimedia.org • CC BY-SA
May you make a U-turn at traffic lights in New South Wales?

Generally no. In NSW a U-turn at traffic lights is prohibited unless a U-turn permitted sign is displayed. U-turns are also prohibited across specified unbroken dividing lines and on motorways and freeways.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government — U-turn permission, road position, indication and giving way

Does Victoria use the same U-turn-at-lights rule as New South Wales?

No. Victoria generally permits U-turns at signalised intersections unless a No U-turn sign or another restriction applies. The driver making the U-turn must give way to other vehicles and pedestrians.

🔗 transport.vic.gov.au • Transport Victoria — U-turns, signalised intersections and giving way to all other vehicles and pedestrians

Do drivers making a U-turn in Victoria need to give way to vehicles at a Stop or Give Way sign?

Yes. Victorian guidance specifically requires a U-turning driver to give way to all other vehicles and pedestrians, including vehicles emerging from a side road or slip lane even when those vehicles face a Stop or Give Way sign.

🔗 transport.vic.gov.au • Transport Victoria — U-turns, signalised intersections and giving way to all other vehicles and pedestrians

Where should a NSW U-turn begin on a marked road?

In the lane nearest the road centre, with a clear view of approaching traffic.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government — U-turn permission, road position, indication and giving way

Who must a NSW U-turning driver give way to?

Other vehicles and pedestrians; the turn must not obstruct traffic.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government — U-turn permission, road position, indication and giving way

What is a safer alternative to a three-point turn on a busy NSW road?

Drive around the block or use a roundabout to turn around.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government — U-turn permission, road position, indication and giving way

Must NSW drivers indicate before starting a U-turn?

Yes. Signal before turning and check the surrounding traffic.

🔗 nsw.gov.au • NSW Government — U-turn permission, road position, indication and giving way

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...