Can a U-turn vehicle enter the left-turn waiting area to make a U-turn?

[MacMadeline]

The waiting lane can be used for U-turns. When the left turn is at a red light, if you are the first in line, you should enter the waiting area instead of waiting at the intersection. When the left turn light turns green, you can start the U-turn from the middle of the road. If you are not the first in line, as long as you have passed the pedestrian crosswalk, you can make a U-turn at any left-turn waiting area marked by dashed lines. Location of the left-turn waiting area: The left-turn lane has an extended white dashed line box several meters long, directly connecting to the middle of the road. These white dashed lines mark the "left-turn waiting area." Permissible U-turn scenarios: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions on U-turns or left turns allow U-turns: If there is no clear "No U-turn" sign, you can make a U-turn. Here, "no explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. In such cases, you can proceed with the U-turn confidently. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones, typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid areas, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, follow it. U-turns are only allowed on green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Points to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign ahead, even if "No U-turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are closely related—a U-turn always involves a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles before making a U-turn. If you interfere with straight-moving traffic, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows indicating permitted movements. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if the arrow indicates straight movement, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.

[LeMolly]

I often encounter this confusion while driving, and it really depends on the situation. The left-turn waiting zone is designed as a buffer area for left-turning vehicles, but whether you can enter it for a U-turn depends on the traffic signals and signs at the intersection. The general rule is: if there’s a clear U-turn arrow or a green light allowing U-turns, you can enter the waiting zone to perform the maneuver. However, if there’s a 'No U-turn' sign or the signal is red, don’t attempt it—otherwise, you might get caught by a camera, fined 150 yuan, and even receive penalty points. Always wait for the left-turn green light before proceeding: first enter the waiting zone, confirm it’s safe, then make a slow U-turn. Don’t rush in during the straight green light to avoid conflicts with through traffic. Safety first—I’ve seen a few minor collisions during rush hour caused by misoperation. In short, check the signs and signals carefully before deciding; otherwise, taking a detour might be the safer choice.