J-turns are used to decrease fatalities, injuries
Published on September 2, 2026 at 6:04pm EDT | Author: Chad Koenen
0Question: I am seeing more and more of these “J-turns” in Minnesota. Can you explain those to people who might not be familiar? Thank you.
Answer: J-turns are used to decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways.
At a J-turn, drivers on the side street approaching the divided highway always make a right turn. To cross the highway or make a left turn from the side street:
1. Come to a complete stop.
2. Turn right onto the highway.
3. Enter the designated left-turn lane that leads to the median opening and complete a U-turn.
When making the right turn, you can cross both lanes and move into the left-turn lane in one motion when it is safe to do so. This minimizes the time spent in the through lanes of the divided highway. When completing the U-turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and stop if necessary, before entering the through lanes of the divided highway.
Question: I see a lot of people not wearing their seat belt correctly. Several of them, have the shoulder belt worn underneath the shoulder/arm. Can you provide some education on this?
Answer: Seat belt use is required with a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped. You are more likely to survive a car crash if you use both the lap and shoulder belts together.
• Lap belt: Adjust the lap belt to fit snugly across your hipbones or upper thighs. It should never be positioned across your abdomen or the soft part of your stomach.
• Shoulder belt: Adjust the shoulder belt to fit snugly across your chest and the middle of your shoulder. When positioned correctly, the seat belt is much less likely to cause injuries in the event of a crash.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).