Fixit: Most U-turns are legal, until they turn out badly

Q When is it legal to make U-turns? Can a driver make a U-turn from a parallel parking spot? I can't tell you how many times I see people make a 180-degree turn from a parallel parking spot, across two or three lanes of traffic, no less. My co-worker was hit when someone tried this maneuver. And the woman who almost hit me (I was a pedestrian) was very irritated that I yelled at her; she said that the move was completely legal. Is it?

A The only U-turns prohibited are the ones near hills or curves, according to Sgt. Don Marose of the Minnesota State Patrol. U-turns can be restricted, however, by signs -- for example, with a NO U-TURN sign at an intersection.

But under state law, a driver cannot make a "change of course," including a U-turn, unless it is safe to do so.

If someone almost hit you while making a U-turn, the maneuver wouldn't be illegal (unless prohibited by a sign), but the unsafe change of course would be. In the same way, crossing three lanes of traffic in a U-turn may not be wise, but it's not illegal, unless the driver hits or almost hits someone or another vehicle.

Drywall shadow lines

Q Why does drywall tape over wallboard seams show through after being painted? My walls are showing shadow stripes along the seams.

A Shadow lines are considered a drywall application defect. Causes include high humidity that delays drying time between coats of joint tape, the use of too much joint compound or excessive sanding, which can cause the paper to soak up too much paint.

Because it is a defect, contact your contractor. To fix it yourself, lightly sand the area, feathering out into the wall, and cover it with thin coats of joint compound. Allow it to dry between coats. Finish with the appropriate primer and paint.

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.