Can U-turn lanes proceed without waiting for the red light?
2 Answers
U-turn lanes can proceed without waiting for the red light. The regulations for U-turns are as follows: 1. Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other hazardous road sections. 2. Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Violations of road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage by motor vehicle drivers will result in a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter issues with U-turn lanes on city roads. I remember once at an intersection, there was a dedicated green arrow signal for the U-turn lane, allowing direct U-turns without waiting for the red light, but that requires special signal support. Generally, under no circumstances should you force a U-turn at a red light in a U-turn lane—you must stop and wait for the green light, a point repeatedly emphasized during my driving school training. If there's no clear permission sign at the intersection and you risk making a U-turn, not only will the police issue fines and deduct points, but you could also collide with oncoming traffic, especially during peak hours when visibility is poor, doubling the risk. So, every time I come across such lanes, I first check road signs or traffic signals—developing this habit ensures safety.
