Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light Ahead?
2 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn at a red light ahead depends on different situations: 1. When there is no no-U-turn sign, you can make a U-turn without affecting normal traffic and ensuring safety; 2. If there is no central barrier, U-turns are allowed on the yellow grid line; 3. If there is a dedicated left-turn or U-turn lane in advance, you can make a U-turn without affecting other normal traffic; 4. Ensure the U-turn signal is green and you are in the designated lane before making a U-turn. Precautions for U-turns include: 1. Pay attention to whether the intersection allows U-turns; 2. Check if there are oncoming vehicles; 3. On wider roads, try to use a large detour for a one-step U-turn.
When it comes to making a U-turn at a red light, I believe it depends on the specific situation. Having driven in big cities for over a decade, I've often seen that if there's a 'No U-turn on Red' sign at the intersection, then it's absolutely not allowed—otherwise, you might get fined 200 yuan. However, in some places, like certain intersections in Shanghai, U-turns are permitted if there's no sign and it's safe to do so. Once in Guangzhou, I attempted it recklessly and nearly collided with oncoming traffic, which gave me quite a scare. So the key is to carefully observe the traffic lights and signs—a red light is a stop signal, meaning all vehicles should halt. Making a U-turn that interferes with pedestrians or traffic flow is just too risky. I'd advise new drivers to play it safe and wait for a green light or arrow signal. Rules vary by location, so it's best to check local traffic apps or ask experienced drivers. Safety comes first—don't risk an accident just to save a few seconds.
