Can I make a U-turn at a dashed line when the left-turn arrow is red?
2 Answers
If the dashed line is set before the stop line at the intersection and there are no other signs prohibiting U-turns, you can directly make a U-turn at the dashed line without being controlled by the traffic signal, provided it does not affect other vehicles. Other situations where U-turns are prohibited are as follows: U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If the intersection permits U-turns, you must cross the crosswalk before making a U-turn; you cannot make a U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even if you are in the leftmost lane, U-turns are not allowed if there is no sign permitting left turns. U-turns are prohibited in the second left-turn lane: When a vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles can only make U-turns in the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: U-turns are not allowed at solid yellow lines. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, you must wait for the green light and cross the stop line before making a U-turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and 12 penalty points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue to the next exit and leave the highway; never attempt an illegal U-turn.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many similar situations. When the left-turn arrow is red, you absolutely cannot make a U-turn because the red arrow explicitly prohibits any movement in the left direction, and a U-turn is part of that. Although the dashed lines on the ground allow lane changes or turns, they take a secondary position when facing traffic signals, and you shouldn't rely on them to bypass red light rules. If you force a U-turn, you not only risk a fine but may also cause a rear-end collision, especially at busy intersections. I recommend only performing U-turns when there's a green arrow or a dedicated U-turn lane, otherwise waiting for the signal is the safest and most reliable option. After all, safety comes first—my experience tells me that rules are designed to protect everyone, and following them saves both trouble and worry.
