Quick Summary:
- Use signal-controlled median turn bays, never swing across multiple lanes.
- Follow “U-turn permitted” signs, and obey “No U-turn” at intersections.
- Avoid hotel driveways for turning around, use the next signed junction.
- Plan early, get into the correct lane 200 to 400 metres ahead.
Making a U-turn on the Las Vegas Strip looks simple on a map, but the real roadway is a busy, multi-lane corridor with medians, slip lanes, dedicated turn bays, and frequent pedestrian signals. In a car hire vehicle, the safest approach is to treat U-turns as something you only do at purpose-built, signed locations. If you miss your turn, keep calm, stay in your lane, and use the next legal turning point rather than forcing a last-second move.
This guide explains how Strip junctions are laid out, where U-turns are typically allowed, where they are commonly prohibited, and how to set up early so you do not get trapped in the wrong lane. It focuses on practical driving patterns you will see on Las Vegas Boulevard South, and how to read the signs and road markings that matter most.
First, know what “legal and safe” looks like on the Strip
A legal U-turn on the Strip usually has three things: a signal-controlled intersection, a dedicated left-turn bay or pocket in the median, and signage or markings that do not prohibit U-turns. If any part is missing, assume you should not do it and continue to the next junction.
In Las Vegas, many intersections allow U-turns from the left-turn lanes when not prohibited. That said, the Strip is not a quiet suburban road. Sight lines can be blocked by traffic, taxis may dart for kerbs, and pedestrians may step out during signals. So “legal” is not enough, you want a location designed for it.
If you are collecting a vehicle at the airport and heading straight to the Strip, take a moment to familiarise yourself with local road layouts as you leave. The flow is fast, and the signage comes quickly. Helpful context for arrival logistics can be found on Las Vegas airport car hire, especially if you are driving after a long flight.
How Strip junctions are built: medians, turn bays, and signals
The Strip has long stretches with a raised or painted median separating northbound and southbound traffic. Because you cannot simply cross that median, U-turns are concentrated at major, signalised intersections where traffic can be managed in phases.
Look for these features as you approach a possible turnaround point:
Dedicated left-turn bay in the median. This is the safest setup. You move left into a protected pocket and wait for the arrow. If there is no pocket and you would have to stop in a through lane, do not attempt it.
Left-turn arrow signal. Many Strip intersections use arrows that give you protected time to turn. A protected phase reduces the risk of misjudging oncoming speed and reduces honking and lane pressure from drivers behind you.
Lane-control signs above the road. Some junctions have overhead signals or signs that specify which lanes turn left. You should be in the correct lane well before the junction, because lane changes close to the stop line can be blocked by bollards, solid lines, or dense traffic.
Multiple turn lanes. In places the left turn has two lanes. If you are uncertain, choose the outer of the two left-turn lanes so your turning path is wider and easier to control, but follow markings precisely and do not drift between lanes during the turn.
Where you can usually make a U-turn on the Strip
Rather than relying on a list of every intersection, use a consistent rule: pick major, signal-controlled crossroads with a proper left-turn bay and no prohibition sign. On the Strip, these are typically the big access points serving clusters of resorts and shopping areas. You will recognise them by wider medians, longer turn pockets, and heavier signal infrastructure.
In practice, visitors most often make U-turns at large crossroads where:
There is enough storage in the turn bay to queue without blocking through traffic. If the bay is short and already full, continue to the next junction rather than stopping at an awkward angle.
The intersection is well lit. The Strip is bright, but contrast can be tricky at night, especially with glare and reflections. Well-marked lanes and fresh paint make a big difference when you are unfamiliar with local patterns.
The junction is designed for resort access. Large resorts generate constant turning traffic, so these intersections tend to have clearer lane assignments and longer green phases for turns.
If you are using a larger car hire option like an SUV, make your turns with extra space and patience. Bigger vehicles can take slightly longer to complete the turn, and the Strip has plenty of drivers who will rush gaps. If you want context on typical vehicle sizes and handling, see SUV rental in Las Vegas.
Where U-turns are commonly prohibited or a bad idea
On the Strip, some places are technically possible to turn around but are still poor choices because they disrupt traffic flow or put you into conflict with pedestrians and buses. Avoid these situations:
At intersections with “No U-turn” signs. These are placed where U-turns create conflict with right turns, pedestrian scrambles, or short signal phases. If you see the sign, treat it as final.
Across solid lines or through painted gore areas. The Strip uses channelised lanes near slip roads and property entrances. Crossing the chevrons to “just make it” is risky and often illegal.
Using hotel driveways to reverse direction. Many resort entrances are private access points with security staff, taxi queues, rideshare zones, and tight turning radii. Turning in and out can also put you back into traffic with limited visibility. If you need to reach a hotel on the opposite side, it is usually safer to continue to the next major signalised junction and perform a legal U-turn from a turn bay.
Mid-block breaks in the median. Some roads have service breaks for emergency or maintenance vehicles. They are not intended as public turning points, and using them can put you nose-to-nose with fast traffic.
How to avoid last-second lane changes on Las Vegas Boulevard
Most Strip mistakes happen because drivers realise too late that they need a different lane. The cure is to plan earlier than you think you need to. Use this simple method:
1) Decide your recovery plan. If you miss a turn or hotel entrance, commit to continuing straight to the next major junction. Knowing you have a plan reduces the temptation to swerve.
2) Move left early. For a U-turn you will almost always need the left-turn lane. On busy segments, start positioning 200 to 400 metres ahead, using gentle, predictable lane changes.
3) Read overhead signs first, road arrows second. Overhead signs tend to appear before the lane arrows painted near the stop line. If you wait for the painted arrows, you may be too late.
4) Watch for “ONLY” lane markings. A left lane marked “LEFT ONLY” means you must turn left or U-turn if permitted. If you are trying to go straight, do not enter that lane and then cut out at the last moment.
5) Assume other drivers will not let you in. Give yourself time to merge without forcing a gap. If you cannot merge safely, continue to the next junction and try again.
If you are choosing a rental supplier and want to compare options, Hola Car Rentals has pages that help you understand what to expect locally, such as car rental in Nevada and budget car hire in Las Vegas.
Step-by-step: executing a safe U-turn from a median turn bay
When you have identified a legal location, treat the U-turn like a controlled manoeuvre, not a quick flick of the wheel.
Approach: Signal early, check mirrors, and move into the correct left-turn bay. Stay centred in your lane. Keep your wheels straight while waiting so a rear impact does not push you into oncoming lanes.
Wait: Obey the left-turn arrow and any “yield on green” indications. If you have a green ball rather than a protected arrow, you may need to yield to oncoming traffic, which can be difficult on the Strip. If you cannot judge a safe gap, wait for the next protected phase if it cycles that way.
Turn: Follow the lane line through the arc. Many U-turns are effectively a very tight left. Keep your speed slow and steady, and do not cut across adjacent turn lanes.
Exit: Finish in the correct lane for your direction of travel. Check for pedestrians and for vehicles that may be changing lanes immediately after the junction.
Special Strip complications: slip lanes, buses, and pedestrian phases
The Strip has frequent right-turn slip lanes, bus pull-outs, and crossings with heavy foot traffic. These features change how safe a U-turn feels even when it is allowed.
Slip lanes can create situations where vehicles are turning right at the same time you are completing a U-turn. Do not assume they will see you, especially if you are coming around from behind their left shoulder.
Buses often stop close to junctions. A bus can block your view of pedestrians stepping into the crosswalk during a permissive phase. If visibility is compromised, wait.
Pedestrian scrambles at major resort crossings can mean all vehicles are stopped while pedestrians cross in multiple directions. These phases can be followed by aggressive acceleration as drivers try to clear the junction. Be ready for that behaviour when you complete your turn.
What to do if you realise too late that you need to turn around
If you are in the wrong lane and the junction is coming up, do not force it. Continue straight, stabilise your position, and look for the next signalised intersection that offers a left-turn bay and does not prohibit U-turns. On the Strip you will usually find another major junction within a short distance.
If your navigation suggests a complex weave, ignore it and prioritise legality and predictability. A calm extra two minutes is better than a sudden lane cut that risks a collision.
FAQ
Are U-turns generally legal on the Las Vegas Strip? Often yes, but only where not prohibited by signs and where the road layout supports it. Use signal-controlled intersections with dedicated left-turn bays, and avoid improvised turns at driveways.
Can I use a hotel driveway to make a quick turnaround? It is usually a bad idea. Resort entrances can be congested with taxis, rideshares, and pedestrians, and the exit sight lines can be poor. It is safer to continue to the next major junction and use a signed turn bay.
What signs should I look for before attempting a U-turn? Look for “No U-turn” prohibitions, overhead lane-control signs, and pavement arrows showing left-turn-only lanes. If there is no left-turn bay or the markings are unclear, continue to the next junction.
How far in advance should I get into the left-turn lane? On the Strip, aim for 200 to 400 metres early in heavy traffic. That gives you time to merge smoothly without forcing gaps or cutting across solid lines near the intersection.
Does driving a larger hire car change how I should do a U-turn? Yes. Larger vehicles need a wider turning path and a little more time to complete the manoeuvre. Use dedicated turn bays, keep your speed low, and hold your lane through the entire arc.
