A moonshiner's turn, also known as a J-turn, is an evasive driving maneuver designed to create a very sudden 180° change in direction. A moonshiner's turn is often performed when a driver is suddenly confronted by a roadblock and forward progress is virtually impossible. The maneuver's name is based on the elusive driving tactics used by bootleggers carrying illegal containers of 'moonshine', a homebrewed grain alcohol. Police and tax revenue officers would often put up roadblocks on main highways, causing bootleggers to find new ways to evade them.
To perform a moonshiner's turn, it's best to be driving a car with manual transmission. This allows the driver to put the car into a lower gear for faster acceleration out of the turn itself. A moonshiner's turn can be performed in a vehicle with automatic transmission, but expect a slower response time.
Unlike its riskier counterpart called a bootlegger's turn, a moonshiner's turn is performed from a dead stop, not a controlled skid. Once the roadblock or other threat has been spotted, bring the car to a complete stop as soon as possible. Once the forward momentum has ended, quickly place the car into reverse gear. Drive straight back while counting off five seconds. Prepare to do several things all at once.
While the car is still moving in reverse, turn the steering wheel hard to the left while simultaneously pulling or depressing the emergency brake. Do not touch the accelerator. The car should spin at least 90 to 180°.
Once the car has changed direction, release the emergency brake and put the car into second gear, or 'drive' in an automatic. Accelerate out of the area as quickly as possible. A moonshiner's turn is not quite as quick as a bootlegger's turn, but many professional drivers say it is an easier maneuver to master.
A moonshiner's turn or J-turn should only be used during an emergency situation, since it can cause significant damage to a car's tires, suspension and gearbox. Depending on the vehicle, a moonshiner's turn can also create a dangerous rollover. Professional security drivers and stunt drivers practice these maneuvers on closed tracks with modified cars. A moonshiner's turn may best be viewed as part of a action movie's chase sequence, not on an actual highway.
