Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light at an Intersection?
4 Answers
You cannot make a U-turn at a red light at an intersection. Below are the relevant regulations regarding vehicle U-turns: 1. No U-turns allowed: Motor vehicles are prohibited from making U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections of road prone to danger. 2. Common knowledge concept: At an intersection with a red left-turn light and a green straight light, you cannot make a left-turn U-turn because when the straight light is green, the opposing lane also has a straight light, and making a U-turn would obstruct the normal flow of opposing straight traffic, hence U-turns are not allowed. When the left-turn light turns green, the opposing lane's straight light usually turns red, making it safer to make a U-turn at that time.
Left turn or U-turn at a red light? As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I must say: absolutely not! First, it violates traffic rules—fines and points are minor issues, but if an accident happens, the responsibility falls entirely on you. When I was younger, I didn’t believe it and once made a U-turn at a red light at an intersection, nearly getting hit by a truck going straight. That lesson stuck with me for life. Second, urban road signal designs are complex, and intersections are particularly prone to blind-spot collisions. Third, even if some places have special signs allowing right turns on red, U-turns take longer and are slower, making them more likely to cause congestion or accidents. Safety comes first—driving isn’t a race to the grave. Wait patiently for the green light before moving, ensuring your safety and that of others. That’s what a mature driver should do.
New drivers often ask this, and I used to be confused too: Why can't you make a U-turn at a red light? During driving lessons, the instructor emphasized that a red light means all turning movements are prohibited, including U-turns. Imagine trying to make a U-turn while oncoming traffic might be accelerating straight ahead, and your view is obstructed—it's a recipe for a collision. When I first started driving, I tried to save time by doing it once, only to be pulled over by the police, given a lecture, and fined 200 yuan. Since then, I've behaved much better. My advice to all new drivers: Traffic rules aren't just for show. If you're unsure, stop and wait. Driving safely is more important than anything else—don't be foolish like I was.
From a safety perspective, making a left turn or U-turn at a red light is extremely risky! Statistics show that violations like these cause countless accidents. The reason is simple: a red light means vehicles from the perpendicular direction have the right of way. Your turn interferes with traffic flow, leading to anything from minor scratches to rollovers. With years of driving experience, I always wait for the green light—this isn’t just about rules, it’s life-saving wisdom. Don’t assume you can act recklessly just because no one’s watching at a small intersection—accidents often happen in the next second.
