Can a Vehicle on the Main Road Make a U-turn onto the Auxiliary Road?
3 Answers
Vehicles on the main road can make a U-turn onto the auxiliary road. The rule that vehicles on the auxiliary road must yield to those on the main road is based on the principle that the main road serves as the trunk line while the auxiliary road functions as the branch line, where branch traffic yields to trunk traffic. Generally, main roads have more lanes and higher speed limits, hence auxiliary road vehicles must give way to main road traffic. The differences between main and auxiliary roads are as follows: Main roads are exclusively for motor vehicles, whereas auxiliary roads accommodate mixed traffic of motor vehicles, non-motorized vehicles, and pedestrians. Key distinctions include: 1. Function: When main road traffic volume is excessive, auxiliary roads help alleviate congestion by diverting some vehicles. 2. Specifications: For unidirectional motor vehicle lanes physically separated from bicycle lanes, the minimum width should be 7.5m; when separated by markings, auxiliary roads should be no narrower than 8.5m; for high traffic volumes of both vehicle types, auxiliary road widths may range 12-13m. 3. Configuration: In urban ground-level expressways, auxiliary roads should run continuously on one or both sides of the main road; for elevated expressways, they're situated at ground level beneath the structure. Suburban expressway auxiliary roads may be continuous or intermittent.
This is actually quite common. I've seen many drivers make U-turns directly on the main road trying to turn into the service road. But according to traffic regulations, doing this is particularly dangerous. Vehicles on the main road usually move at high speeds, and a sudden U-turn can block traffic behind. If the following cars can't brake in time, it could be disastrous. Service roads often have electric bikes and bicycles, plus there are many blind spots. Once, I was in a friend's car and we almost got into an accident this way—just thinking about it still gives me chills. If you really need to make a U-turn on the main road, find a designated U-turn zone or intersection, and make sure there are no cars or pedestrians before turning the wheel. Safety should always come first; taking a few extra minutes to go around is much better than getting into an accident.
After driving for so many years, I strongly advise against doing this. Making a U-turn directly from the main road into the auxiliary lane will most likely be caught by traffic cameras and counted as a violation. What's more troublesome is that it can easily catch the straight-going vehicles behind off guard, leading to scratches or collisions. The situation in the auxiliary lane is also complex, often with illegal parking or pedestrians jaywalking. If you really need to make a U-turn, just drive honestly to the intersection ahead, turn into the auxiliary lane, and then find a suitable spot to do so. Road safety is no small matter. I've seen too many accidents caused by trying to save a few steps, which is not worth the loss.
