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

[SimonLee]

If the U-turn signal is red, you must wait; 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 dedicated U-turn signal, and the gap in the lane is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by traffic signals and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal. Making a U-turn directly without following these rules 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, pedestrians must be given the right of way: 1. Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk who have not reached the centerline of the road: Vehicles on the left side must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. 2. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes, not yet entering the roadway: Vehicles should slow down and proceed only when safe. 3. Pedestrians crossing the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes: Failing to stop for them is a violation and punishable. 4. Pedestrians entering the motorized lane (Lane A) from the crosswalk: Vehicles in Lane B must slow down and proceed only when safe. Failing to yield is a violation. 5. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane: Failing to stop for them is a violation. 6. Pedestrians crossing the centerline into the motorized lane: Failing to yield is a violation. 7. Pedestrians separated by a median strip and waiting in the middle of the road: Vehicles must slow down and proceed only when safe. Permissible U-turn scenarios: 1. Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign, you may proceed. If there is a U-turn signal, follow it. Without a signal, make the U-turn only if it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. 2. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: U-turns are allowed unless prohibited by signs or solid centerlines. 3. Yellow grid lines: These indicate no-stopping zones, but U-turns are permitted unless there is a center divider. 4. Intersections with U-turn signals: Follow the signal—green means go. 5. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" does not necessarily mean "No Left Turn." Key considerations when making a U-turn: 1. Observe road markings: Never U-turn over solid lines; continue driving to find a suitable spot. 2. "No Left Turn" signs: Even if "No U-turn" is not explicitly stated, U-turns are prohibited because they involve a left turn. 3. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns from the second left-turn lane are not allowed. 4. Always yield to oncoming traffic. Failing to do so makes you fully liable for any accidents. 5. Pay attention to lane arrows: The leftmost lane may not always be for left turns. If marked for straight traffic, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.

[McMarley]

Hey, speaking of making U-turns at red lights, after driving for so many years, I think it's a big trap. U-turns during a red light are usually prohibited because a red light means 'come to a complete stop,' and any forward movement is not allowed. I've seen many people make the mistake of thinking they can sneak a U-turn when no one is looking, only to get caught by cameras or hit pedestrians, resulting in fines and penalty points when the police check. It mainly depends on the intersection: if there's no dedicated U-turn sign or a green left-turn arrow, don't attempt it; some places have U-turn lanes, but you still have to stop and wait for the green light during a red light. Safety first—rules are there to prevent accidents, like when a car coming from the side could hit you during a U-turn. I recommend always carefully checking the traffic signals and signs, not taking risks, and driving steadily to protect yourself and others. If you're really unsure, check the local traffic manual, as rules are slightly adjusted in each city. Anyway, when I drive, I remember: red means a full stop, and U-turns must also wait for the green light.