What does the no U-turn sign mean?

You have missed your turning and see this sign at the next set of lights. What does it forbid?

Turning around to head back the way you came

This ban goes up where drivers cannot see far enough, or where the road is too narrow to turn round in one movement. Carrying on to somewhere you can turn safely costs a minute, while turning here leaves you sideways across traffic that is closing fast.

You have gone past the street you wanted and you see this sign at the intersection ahead. What does it stop you doing?

Turning around to head back the way you came

The sign bans turning across the road to travel in the opposite direction. That movement leaves your vehicle broadside across both directions of traffic for several seconds, so it is removed near curves, crests and busy intersections where nobody would see you in time.

You have driven past the street you wanted, and this sign is posted at the next intersection. What is the right move?

Carry on and turn around where it is allowed and where you can see well both ways

A U-turn ban usually sits where the road bends or crests, or where traffic arrives fast, so a vehicle turning across the road is invisible until it is too late. Reversing on a through road creates the same problem with less control. Going on to a proper turning place costs you a little time and nothing else.

You have driven past the address you were looking for and see this sign at the next intersection. What does it stop you doing?

Turning around to head back the way you came

The sign bans the turn that puts you back in the opposite direction at that spot, usually because oncoming drivers cannot see far enough or the road is too narrow to finish it in one movement. A left turn into a side street, then a normal turn around, is still open to you. Going round the block costs a minute and removes the risk.

You pass your destination on a Manitoba street and see this sign ahead. How should you get back?

Continue to a place where turning around is permitted

This sign prohibits turning around at that location. Find a legal route back instead of reversing direction there.

You drive past your turn on a Saskatoon street and see this sign before the next intersection. What should you do?

Continue to a place where turning around is permitted

A U-turn is not allowed where this sign applies. Keep going and choose a legal place to reverse direction.