Can a car make a U-turn over a crosswalk?
3 Answers
Can a car make a U-turn over a crosswalk? According to regulations: motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs and markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections prone to danger. Therefore, based on the description, the vehicle must pass the crosswalk before making a U-turn. The reason for requiring a car to make a U-turn after crossing the crosswalk is that, in comparison to vehicles, pedestrians are the more vulnerable party. Thus, it is necessary to protect pedestrians while driving. The original intention of requiring a U-turn to be made after crossing the crosswalk is to ensure pedestrian safety and avoid hitting passing pedestrians if the U-turn is made before the crosswalk.
Having driven for over a decade, I've seen many beginners make this mistake. Making a U-turn at a zebra crossing is strictly prohibited, and the reason is simple: zebra crossings are for pedestrians, and your turn could easily block the way or hit someone. I remember once in the city, a car turned there and almost hit a pedestrian, leading to a police ticket. Traffic rules clearly prohibit this, and in most cities like Beijing and Shanghai, you'll get points deducted and fined. When driving, it's better to find a properly permitted U-turn intersection or an open road section—it's both safe and legal. When turning, blind spots increase, and with pedestrians moving quickly, the risk of accidents is high. I always remind my friends that the rules aren't there to trouble you but to ensure safety. Over time on the road, develop the habit of avoiding maneuvers at zebra crossings to reduce risks.
As a commuter who walks to work every day, I'm deeply concerned about U-turns at crosswalks. These areas are supposed to be safe zones for pedestrians to cross, where vehicles must stop to yield, but suddenly turning vehicles create chaos, forcing pedestrians to dodge. Last week, I was nearly hit by a car making a hasty U-turn, and now I feel nervous every time I cross the street. Traffic regulations prioritize pedestrians at crosswalks, and U-turns completely violate this principle, easily leading to collisions. In case of an accident, the driver would be fully responsible and could disrupt the entire neighborhood's order. I urge everyone to emphasize this point in community awareness campaigns, educating drivers to choose safer turning points. Following rules isn't a burden—it's our shared responsibility to maintain harmonious traffic.
