Can You Make a U-Turn at a Left-Turn Green Light?
3 Answers
If there is a clear no U-turn sign in the left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn. At locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, you can make a U-turn when the light is green, provided it is safe to do so, and it will not be considered a traffic violation. Below is an extended explanation: 1. Intersections with U-turn signals: If there is a dedicated U-turn signal or ground marking, always follow the signal or marking instructions; 2. Intersections without a U-turn signal but with a left-turn signal and no no U-turn sign: You can make a U-turn when the light is green, provided it does not interfere with oncoming straight traffic; 3. Areas with yellow grid markings and no no U-turn sign: Making a left-turn U-turn is legal when the light is green, but stopping in this area when the light is red is a violation; 4. Left-turn lanes with crosswalks and no no U-turn sign: Vehicles in the left-turn lane must pass the crosswalk before making a U-turn when the light is green.
When it comes to whether you can make a U-turn on a left-turn green light, having driven for over a decade, I've encountered many similar situations. Generally speaking, if the green light is on allowing left turns, making a U-turn should be permissible, but it depends on whether there are any no-U-turn signs at the specific intersection. Once, at a downtown intersection, I attempted to make a U-turn on a left-turn green light to head back, but failed to notice the dashed no-U-turn marking on the road. I got caught by a traffic camera and was fined 200 yuan plus penalty points. Since then, I've become much more cautious when driving. Every time I see a green light, I check the surroundings: road signs, traffic signal indicators, and especially the road markings. If there are no prohibitory signs, theoretically, a safe U-turn is possible, but you must ensure no oncoming straight-moving vehicles are approaching—accidents often happen in blind spots, and waiting a bit longer never hurts for safety. Remember, rules can vary by location; checking navigation prompts before driving on unfamiliar roads is the most reliable approach.
As a novice driver, I also struggled with this issue. When the left-turn green light is on, it usually means you can turn left, but whether you can make a U-turn depends on the actual situation—don’t act impulsively. Last month, my friend encountered a similar scenario on a main road: he made a U-turn when the left-turn light was green, only to be stopped by a police officer who informed him that U-turns were prohibited at that intersection 24/7, and he got a ticket. From this lesson, I learned that as a beginner, it’s best to pay attention to traffic sign assistance systems—many cars now have front cameras that alert you to no-U-turn zones. A handy tip is to slow down in advance and check the intersection: Are there electronic signs or posted notices explicitly stating no U-turns? If not, you might consider it, but proceed slowly to confirm there are no obstacles. In short, don’t take risks for convenience—safety first is always the safest approach.
