Can you ignore the traffic light when making a U-turn in a lane with dashed lines?
2 Answers
If the gap is marked with dashed lines, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. You can make a U-turn directly as long as it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, then the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the traffic signal. Note that making a U-turn on the pedestrian crossing is prohibited. According to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," doing so will result in a 3-point deduction and a fine. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, you must yield to pedestrians: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians have crossed the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians are walking along the crosswalk into motorized lane A, motorized lane B should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If motorized lane A does not stop, it is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline of the road and enter the lane, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, and pedestrians are waiting in the middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means there are no signs like "No U-turn" or "No left turn," and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, etc. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is prohibited. However, U-turns are allowed on yellow grid lines unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn traffic light at the intersection, you must follow it—only proceed on green. If signs allow U-turns but prohibit left turns, U-turns are permitted. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No left turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, as U-turns involve left turns. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not allowed. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles when making a U-turn. Interfering with them will make you fully liable for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows. If the arrow is for straight movement, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.
The other day, while driving through the winding city streets, I spotted a clear U-turn lane marked with dashed lines and almost thought I could ignore the traffic light to make the turn. Thankfully, my driving instructor had taught me: the dashed lines on the lane do indicate that this is an area where U-turns are permitted, but traffic signals are the supreme guiding principle—whether there are dashed lines or not, you must obediently follow the traffic light. If you recklessly make a U-turn, the consequences of running a red light range from getting a ticket and points deducted to colliding with oncoming vehicles, which is no joke. I’ve seen many drivers get into accidents because of such small misunderstandings, leading to major setbacks. At the end of the day, driving rules are designed for overall safety—dashed lines merely assist in identifying the route, while traffic signals are the ultimate authority. Every time I encounter such a situation, I proceed with caution, ensuring the signal permits the action before moving. Developing this habit has kept me safe on the road for twenty years.
