Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light?

[DelFrank]

If the U-turn signal is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this offense carries a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal, you can make a U-turn at a dashed line gap without being affected by the traffic light and without crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is a solid line, you must cross the pedestrian crossing and follow the left-turn signal. Making a U-turn directly in such cases may result in being photographed by traffic cameras or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing a 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 must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Failing to stop and yield is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and will be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety when pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area. 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 signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition against U-turns or left turns at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. This means the intersection has no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. These zones prohibit stopping (including waiting at traffic lights), but U-turns are permitted unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow it—only make a U-turn when the light is green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs appear together, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" does not mean "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 require a left-turn maneuver. 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 at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn. Failing to do so will make you fully liable for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow—if it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.

[LaVivienne]

I've been driving for over a decade and often ponder traffic rules. Regarding whether U-turns are allowed at red lights, they are generally prohibited in most cases. This is because a red light means you must stop and wait, and making a U-turn is considered part of proceeding through the intersection. Attempting it recklessly can easily lead to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians, especially at intersections where it's particularly hazardous. Although there are some special scenarios where it might be permissible, such as when there's a dedicated U-turn lane or a green arrow signal allowing it, it's crucial to pay close attention to the intersection signs and signal design. Traffic regulations vary significantly by location—some U.S. states permit U-turns after a right turn on red, while China generally enforces stricter rules. I recommend checking the details in your local traffic handbook. Safety should always come first, and waiting for the green light before making a U-turn is the safest approach.