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

[JudeAnn]

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, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic light 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 direct U-turn may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the 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 of the road should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If vehicles in Lane A do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should 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 should be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline of the road and enter the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the median area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Cases 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 based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means there are no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping in these zones (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, U-turns are permitted in yellow grid zones as long as there is no central barrier, effectively making them "U-turn allowed" zones. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow its instructions—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 prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location for a U-turn. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign ahead, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with the normal flow of traffic; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows indicating their purpose. The leftmost lane is not always a left-turn lane. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.

[Ronnie]

Having driven for so many years, my experience tells me that you absolutely must not make a U-turn when the traffic light is red. Because a red light is a signal to stop, making a U-turn is equivalent to a turning maneuver, which can easily lead to a collision with vehicles in the opposite lane, especially when they have a green light to proceed. I remember one time when I almost had an accident, and since then, I have strictly followed the rule—come to a complete stop at a red light and wait until it turns green to proceed. Of course, exceptions can be made if there is a dedicated U-turn signal or clear signage permitting it at the intersection; but under standard traffic lights, attempting such a risky move might result in a fine of 200 yuan and 3 penalty points if caught on camera. The key is safety: stopping completely at a red light and waiting a few extra minutes to avoid risks is always better than causing an accident. Nowadays, traffic rules are being enforced more strictly, so developing good habits is crucial—it’s also about being responsible for others. When driving in the city, I’d rather take a longer detour or postpone the U-turn to another day than break the rules for momentary convenience.