Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

J-turns

How to navigate J-turns

At a J-turn intersection, you focus on one direction of traffic at a time.

When on the side street approaching the divided highway, always make a right turn.

To cross the highway (or turn left) from the side street, come to a complete stop, then turn right onto the highway. Enter the designated left-turn lane that leads to the median opening and complete a U-turn.

  • When making the right turn, you are allowed to cross both lanes and move into the left-turn lane in one motion – when it is safe to do so – to minimize the amount of time in through lanes of the divided highway.
  • When you are completing the U-turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic – and stop if necessary – before entering the through lanes of the divided highway.

Semis, farm equipment and longer vehicles

Longer vehicles like semis, larger commercial vehicles, longer RVs and even farm implements may use the shoulder on the far side of the road to complete their U-turn. Shoulders may be widened, and may also use bump-outs (called “loons”) so longer vehicles and larger equipment with a wider turning radius can make the U-turn.

Access to local roads and businesses

J-turns always provide access to local roads. While the route may change slightly in some instances, access to all local businesses and other local destinations is maintained.