Ask Mr. Answer Person: Are U-turns illegal in Iowa?

Elyse e-mails: "Someone recently told me U turns are illegal at intersections in Iowa. I can't find anything specific referring to the legality of U turns in the Iowa Code. I think I remember being taught how to make a safe U turn in Driver's Ed...many, many years ago. Has this changed? Can you help clear this up?"

Mr. Answer Person says: "Here's what City of Decorah code 10.20.050 says: 'No vehicle shall be turned so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and oncoming traffic has an unobstructed view from either direction of at least five hundred feet from the point of such U-turn. In no case shall the operator of a motor vehicle make a U-turn at any intersection which is controlled by traffic signs or signals, or in places where signs are posted specifically prohibiting U-turns.'

The Iowa Dept of Transportation Drivers Manual says: 'U-Turns require wide streets or cars that can turn in a very small area. U-turns are not legal in all places, so watch out for signs that forbid them. If you must make a U-turn, move as far to the right as you can. Wait for a big gap in the traffic in both directions. Then turn left quickly, ending up in the opposite lane, and adjust your speed to match the traffic flow.'"