Can a motor vehicle make a U-turn by entering the left lane?
3 Answers
Driving a motor vehicle can make a U-turn at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, but it must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Precautions for driving a motor vehicle: 1. Road division: Based on road conditions and traffic needs, roads are divided into motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and pedestrian lanes, with motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians traveling in their respective lanes. On roads without designated motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and pedestrian lanes, motor vehicles should travel in the middle of the road, while non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should travel on both sides of the road. 2. Obey traffic commands: Vehicles and pedestrians should follow traffic signals; when traffic police are directing on-site, they should follow the instructions of the traffic police; on roads without traffic signals, they should proceed under the principle of ensuring safety and smooth traffic.
I think this is a pretty common issue, and many friends have hesitated at intersections. Of course, you can make a U-turn in the left lane, but you must follow the rules. First, check if there's a no-U-turn sign—if there's a red circle with a U-shaped cross inside, then it's absolutely not allowed. Second, pay attention to the traffic lights—if the left-turn arrow is green, you can proceed, but never risk crossing the stop line on a red light. Third, watch for road markings—some left-turn lanes also have U-turn arrows, which makes it more convenient. Most importantly, ensure safety: before making a U-turn, check if there's enough distance in the opposite lane and don't compete with straight-moving vehicles. I remember once during rush hour, the car behind me was too close, and I got stuck at the intersection—it was really awkward. Now, I always wait a few extra seconds to observe carefully. Oh, and new drivers should note: never make a U-turn on a crosswalk or yellow grid lines, or you'll get points deducted and fined.
Having driven for ten years, I've encountered all kinds of road conditions. Making a U-turn seems simple but can be quite complex. In principle, U-turns are allowed in the left lane, but it depends on the specific environment. At intersections, you usually need to follow traffic light signals; if there's no arrow light, you must wait for the left turn green light. Be especially cautious near roundabouts, as many prohibit U-turns. On regular roads, pay attention to solid and dashed lines—double solid yellow lines mean no U-turns, while a single dashed yellow line allows it, but you must ensure no oncoming traffic. I've also noticed some cities have special restrictions, like no U-turns near school zones during the day, requiring detours. I recommend using a phone mount for navigation while driving, as many maps provide voice prompts on whether U-turns are allowed. Most importantly, don't rush—it's better to drive a few hundred meters more to turn around safely than to risk breaking traffic rules.
