What’s a J-turn and When Do You Need to Make One?

A J-turn is a fun driving technique on a track or a closed driving course if you want to have fun on the weekends. It looks cool and you’ll feel as cool while doing it, but did you know it can save your life? Stuntmen, professional drivers and security personnel swear by this driving technique to get them out of tight spots with some added action-hero flair. Here’s what you need to know to learn it.

What is a J-turn?

A J-turn or a reverse 180, is a tactical driving maneuver to bring a car to a controlled spin. The driver starts in reverse, picks up speed, turns the steering wheel 180 degrees to initiate a spin and drives forward. The J-turn is an evasive driving maneuver to evade chasing vehicles with rapid acceleration and a quick turn.

The J-turn is also known as the “moonshiner’s turn” and the “Rockford spin” as a nod to the 1970s television show Rockford Files, which popularized the driving technique. Professional stunt drivers in movies and television often use the flashy technique in car chase scenes. The driving maneuver is also taught in tactical driving courses in professional driving schools.

A similar driving technique called the “bootlegger’s turn” uses the same skidding principle. The driver starts in a lower gear and puts the car in a spin with a quick steering wheel turn to drive in the opposite direction. The driving maneuver got its name from the high-speed technique used by bootleggers to evade pursuing police officers on liquor runs.

When Should I Do It?

The J-turn is best used when you’re in a difficult situation where you must change your direction rapidly — perhaps during a bridge collapse or when a car in front threatens to ram into your vehicle. There are many real-world scenarios where you can execute a J-turn. If you’re fully committed to doing this driving maneuver, make sure it’s a life-threatening situation and a last resort.

For recreational purposes, you should do this technique in a controlled environment. Race tracks, professional driving courses and private parking lots are your best bet if you’re looking for a conducive environment to pull off this cool driving maneuver. Having a professional driving instructor around to give you the correct feedback about your driving technique while learning is always a good idea.

J-turn Step-by-Step Guide

1. Put the Car in Reverse

Shift into reverse and step on the accelerator to build speed.

2. Accelerate and Build Momentum

Continue to build up speed and momentum for about three seconds.

3. Turn the Steering Wheel 180 Degrees Counterclockwise

Take your foot off the accelerator and put your hand on the steering wheel at 12 o’clock. Turn the wheel 180 degrees counterclockwise to the 6 o’clock position quickly.

4. Initiate the Spin

As you spin, shift into neutral and look over the rear window in the direction you want to go.

5. Shift Into Low Gear

Halfway into the spin, shift into first or second gear depending on speed.

6. Complete the Spin

Bring the steering wheel back to the 12 o’clock position as you finish your spin.

7. Drive Forward

Hit the accelerator then go forward after you complete the spin.

J-turn Tips and Tricks

It’s Best to Learn the Technique in a Safe Environment

Practice J-turns in a closed driving course or race track if you can. An empty parking lot or wide dust road would do in a pinch. Pulling off a perfect J-turn will require enough space to complete the spin maneuver. Driving in a spacious environment will prevent you from bumping into objects and people. Above all, Safety first!

Use a Car Without a Stability Control Feature

Newer cars with stability control may prevent you from doing a J-turn because the feature was designed to avoid unnecessary spinning. Try practicing the technique with an older or manual car to get a better chance of spinning the car. Alternatively, you can switch off the stability control, practice your turn then switch it on when you drive home.

Use a Car With a Low Center of Gravity to Avoid Rollovers

Tall vehicles like SUVs and pickups have a higher center of gravity. This makes them top-heavy and dangerous for quick maneuvers like the J-turn. So you want to use a low car’s center of gravity to keep all wheels on the road as you do a J-turn.

Mind Your Hand Positions While Steering

Doing a J-turn requires you to flick your steering wheel to the opposite position swiftly and fluidly. Remember to put your hand at the 12 o’clock position when initiating the spin and at 6 o’clock when completing it. You should do this to prevent your elbow from getting snagged on your body and the car’s interior as you drive.

Look Over the Rear Window to See Where You’re Going

Always try to get a good look over the rear window to see where you’re going. You want to keep a clear view of your direction to avoid hitting anything as you finish your spin. You’re also likely to spin into the opposite lane, so anticipate where you want to accelerate.

Driving Safely is Driving With Style

It’s easy to get lost in the action-hero mindset when you’re having fun, so be sure to try this driving technique only at a closed driving course or race track. Being responsible in your leisure activities is an excellent way to maintain discipline and avoid unnecessary injuries to others and property damage.

Enjoy your car and push yourself to learn new skills. Just keep safety in mind and ensure you won’t hit anyone as you spin your car. Drive safely and drive with style.