Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light Intersection?
2 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 violation incurs: 6 penalty 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 signal, nor does it 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 may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn across a pedestrian crossing, yielding to pedestrians is required: 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 must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when safe. If pedestrians cross the boundary between lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when safe. Failure to yield is a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline without entering the motorized lane, vehicles failing to stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the lane, vehicles failing to stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the middle, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when safe. Permissible U-turn scenarios: If an intersection has a clear U-turn sign, a U-turn is allowed. If there is a U-turn signal, follow its instructions. If no signal exists, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If there are no explicit "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, a U-turn is allowed. This means that as long as there are no prohibitive signs or solid centerlines, U-turns are permitted. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: These lines indicate no-stopping zones but do not prohibit U-turns unless there is a center divider. If a U-turn signal is present, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-Turn Allowed" signs coexist, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-Turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check road markings—solid lines prohibit U-turns under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, U-turns are also prohibited, as 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 allowed. Always yield to straight-moving traffic before making a U-turn. Failure to do so may result in full liability for any accidents. Lane arrows near stop lines indicate permitted movements. If the leftmost lane has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.
After driving on the road for so many years, I've noticed many drivers hesitate when making U-turns at red lights. Actually, it depends on the traffic signs and road markings at the intersection. If there's a sign permitting U-turns on red or a dedicated U-turn lane, it's allowed. Some large intersections even have specially marked dashed line areas where U-turns can be made even when the light is red. However, you must never cross the pedestrian crossing lines and must ensure there are no oncoming vehicles going straight. I always pay special attention to these details while driving, as safety is paramount. If you make a U-turn without clearly seeing the signs, you might end up facing fines and penalty points.
