Can You Make a U-Turn at a Left Turn with a U-Turn Sign When the Light is Red?
3 Answers
Vehicles can make a U-turn at an intersection with a U-turn sign even when the traffic light is red. According to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law," "Motor vehicles may make a U-turn at locations where there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns or left turns, provided that they do not hinder the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians traveling normally." The following situations prohibit U-turns: 1. There is a sign prohibiting left turns or U-turns; 2. Crossing solid lines to make a U-turn is prohibited; 3. If there are no dashed lines in the middle of the road and the median barrier has no gaps, U-turns are not allowed when the light is red. In such cases, crossing the stop line to make a U-turn is required. If there is no U-turn signal, drivers should observe the left turn signal and follow the principle of stopping at red lights and proceeding at green lights; 4. U-turns are prohibited at pedestrian crossings.
Making a U-turn at a red light, even if there's a U-turn sign, is a risk I wouldn't recommend taking. A red light means stop and wait, and performing a U-turn would encroach into the opposite lane where oncoming vehicles might be speeding through, potentially causing a serious accident. With over a decade of driving experience, I've witnessed numerous collisions caused by reckless U-turns. Even if signs permit it, traffic signals take precedence in controlling all vehicle movements; when facing a red light, you should come to a complete stop and wait for the green light to safely complete your U-turn. Regulations may vary by city, but for your own safety, waiting a few extra seconds won't hurt. Road conditions can be complex, and poor visibility increases the chance of misjudging distances—cultivating good driving habits is key. Don't forget, illegal U-turns are also prone to being caught by traffic cameras, leading to fines and unnecessary hassle. Safety should always be the top priority, and obeying traffic signals is the most worry-free approach.
According to traffic regulations, vehicles are prohibited from passing through when the red light is on, including making U-turns. The U-turn sign merely indicates that the intersection allows U-turn maneuvers, but it does not mean you can perform them freely during a red light. My driving instructor emphasized this point during my lessons: a red light is a universal pause signal for all driving actions, and ignoring it may lead to penalty points or accidents. Although some intersections are designed to allow U-turns without interfering with straight-through traffic, such cases are rare. Drivers should prioritize observing traffic light signals rather than relying on signs to infer actions. The safest practice is to stop at red lights and go at green lights; when in doubt, choose to make a right turn and detour or stop and wait. Developing the habit of following rules can protect both your own and others' travel safety, minimizing driving risks.
