Can I make a U-turn in the left-turn lane if there is a dedicated U-turn lane?
2 Answers
You cannot make a U-turn in the left-turn lane if there is a dedicated U-turn lane. If there are dedicated markings on the ground indicating U-turn and left-turn lanes, vehicles making U-turns and left turns should follow these markings and proceed separately, as they serve different purposes. Prohibited U-turn situations are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there is a "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" sign: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Since a U-turn is essentially an extension of a left turn, intersections with "No Left Turn" signs also prohibit U-turns. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If U-turns are permitted at an intersection, you must cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn and should not perform the 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 unless there is a 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 signage, U-turns are only permitted 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 the U-turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Making a U-turn by crossing the central divider on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and 12 demerit points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue driving to the next exit instead of attempting an illegal U-turn.
As a veteran driver who has been driving all my life, I think this issue is very important. I remember when I was young, at an intersection with a dedicated U-turn lane, I tried to save time by making a U-turn from the left-turn lane and almost collided with oncoming traffic, not to mention getting fined by the police. Since then, I've learned my lesson: if an intersection has a designated U-turn lane, you must never attempt a U-turn from the left-turn lane. Left-turn lanes are designed for turning into side roads, while U-turns require wider turning space and a different angle. Mixing them up can lead to rear-end collisions or disrupt normal traffic flow. Nowadays, urban intersections often have clear signage, and drivers must pay attention to road arrows and traffic signals, strictly adhering to lane divisions. Safety comes first—every time I drive, I remind myself not to try to be clever; following the rules is the way to go for the long haul.
