Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light Intersection?
4 Answers
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 traffic signals and does not require crossing the pedestrian crosswalk. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crosswalk 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 crosswalk, 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 should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of the 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 between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) along the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles in Lane A failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road do not enter the motorized lane, vehicles failing to 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 failing to 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 middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. 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, follow the signal's instructions. If there is no signal, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with 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, important entrances, or other designated areas. Parking (including waiting at traffic lights) in these zones is a violation. However, U-turns are permitted in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal at the intersection, follow the signal—only proceed on green. If signs allow U-turns but prohibit left turns, note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns from the second left-turn lane are not permitted. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn to avoid accidents and full liability. 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 without explicit "No U-turn" signs.
Making a U-turn at a red light intersection is something I rarely dare to do in my over 20 years of driving. When the red light is on, vehicles going straight have the right of way, and attempting a U-turn could easily lead to a collision with others or being hit yourself—it's just too risky. Chinese traffic regulations clearly state that a red light means stop, and a U-turn is considered a turning action. Unless there's a special sign at the intersection, such as a green left-turn arrow or markings on the road indicating U-turns are allowed, it's absolutely forbidden. In Shanghai, I often see drivers being caught making illegal U-turns at red lights, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 3 penalty points, not to mention the potential for causing accidents. If you're unsure about the road signs, check your navigation app first or simply wait for the green light to be safe—especially for new drivers. Be extra cautious if there are many pedestrians; safety first is always the golden rule.
From the perspective of daily driving rules, U-turns at red lights are generally not allowed, as traffic signals are designed to make you stop. Based on my observations, U-turns are only permitted at specific intersections, such as those with dedicated U-turn signals or when the left-turn light is green. Chinese traffic regulations state 'stop at red, go at green,' and U-turns are considered a type of turn—don't attempt one without a signal indication. While driving, remember to check ground arrows and road signs. Some cities, like Shenzhen, enforce strict penalties including fines and demerit points for violations. Additionally, intersection type matters: making improper U-turns at T-junctions or four-way intersections can easily lead to collisions or disrupt straight-moving traffic. It's advisable to develop the habit of observing signal changes. For safety considerations, it's better to wait than take risks—after all, road safety concerns both your life and others'.
When I was learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that making a U-turn at a red light is a major taboo. Normally, when the red light is on, you can only stop behind the stop line and wait. A U-turn requires the right of way, but at this time, vehicles going straight are moving, making it very dangerous. You can only make a U-turn when the left-turn green light is on or there is a clear sign allowing it. Based on experience, some people might take the risk in small towns or when the road is empty at night, but if caught, they will be fined 200 yuan and receive penalty points. Always pay attention to safety prompts when driving, and don't lose big for small gains.
