Can U-turn lanes proceed without waiting for the red light?

[VanCharlotte]

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.

[StNora]

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.

[MiguelAnn]

I've always been interested in traffic rules, and after observing a lot, I've learned that whether you can make a U-turn at a red light depends on the specific situation. Generally, road designs have different rules: if the U-turn lane is equipped with an independent signal arrow showing a green arrow, then you're allowed to safely make a U-turn when the main signal is red; but if there's no such indication, the red light is a mandatory stop signal, and you can't turn arbitrarily. This is designed to prevent accidental collisions with oncoming straight-moving vehicles and ensure the safety of all drivers. I recommend checking the road conditions and settings on navigation apps before driving. For example, some cities allow U-turns at red lights on specific road sections, but these are only a minority of places, so don't expect it to be universally applicable everywhere.

[SanAubrey]

When I first got my driver's license, I also thought that the U-turn lane allowed turning without waiting for the red light to save time. Later, my instructor scolded me and I realized that idea was completely wrong: unless there's a small green arrow signal permitting U-turns, making a U-turn during a red light is equivalent to running a red light. Not only can you get caught by traffic cameras, fined, and penalized with points, but it also easily leads to rear-end collisions. Now when driving, I pay extra attention and always stop and wait at red lights without exception. Developing this habit has helped me avoid trouble in congested areas.

[SanTravis]

As a commuter who frequently drives in the city, I encounter U-turn lanes all too often. Not having to wait for a red light when making a U-turn? That's mostly wishful thinking, unless there's a dedicated green arrow signal, like some designs under overpasses. The reality is, U-turn lanes are controlled by red lights just like straight-through lanes. Forcing a turn not only violates traffic regulations but can also disrupt normal traffic flow and cause congestion. I've developed the habit of choosing alternative routes during peak hours to minimize the need for U-turns—it's both safer and more efficient.