Can you make a U-turn at a combined left-turn and U-turn lane during a red light?
2 Answers
U-turns are subject to traffic light restrictions. It is not allowed to make a U-turn during a left-turn red light; you must wait for the left-turn green light to make a U-turn. Here are the specific details: 1. Traffic Law: According to the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections prone to danger. Motor vehicles can make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. 2. Signage: There are clear U-turn signs and U-turn traffic lights. At intersections with U-turn signs, you can make a U-turn during a red light if it does not affect the flow of oncoming traffic. At intersections with U-turn traffic lights, you can make a U-turn when the U-turn green light is on.
To be honest, I have deep feelings about this issue. Having driven for over a decade, making a U-turn at a red light in this merging lane is completely unacceptable. According to traffic rules, a red light means a full stop, and a U-turn counts as a turning maneuver—you must wait for a green light or a dedicated U-turn arrow signal. I once saw someone attempt a U-turn at a red light, only to get caught by the camera, fined 200 yuan, and penalized 6 points, nearly colliding with oncoming traffic. This lane design is meant for left-turning vehicles, but no one should take chances at a red light—safe driving leaves no room for compromise. The best approach is to always observe traffic signals carefully and only proceed if there’s a dedicated U-turn sign; otherwise, waiting for a green light is the safest bet. Personally, I’ve developed a habit of slowing down at intersections and double-checking my mirrors for safety.
