Can You Make a U-Turn at a Straight Red Light?
3 Answers
You cannot make a U-turn at a straight red light. Reasons why U-turns are not allowed: When driving straight, the lane you are in is a straight-only lane. Regardless of the traffic signal, U-turns are not permitted in straight-only lanes; only straight driving is allowed. If a vehicle makes a U-turn, it constitutes a traffic violation and will be subject to corresponding penalties. Legal basis: According to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other dangerous sections of the road. Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Article 38 of the same regulations states that when the green light of motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle signals is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. At intersections without non-motor vehicle or pedestrian crossing signals, non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should follow the motor vehicle signal indications. When the red light is on, right-turning vehicles may proceed provided they do not obstruct the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians.
I've been driving long-haul trucks for over 20 years, often shuttling between highways and urban areas. Making U-turns at straight-through red lights is definitely not something to mess with. The law clearly states that red means stop - no movement unless there's a dedicated U-turn sign or signal, like when you see that green arrow permitting a U-turn, then you can proceed. Otherwise, like at downtown intersections in my area, traffic cops will slap you with a 200-yuan fine plus demerit points on the spot. I've even seen rookie drivers hastily attempting U-turns only to sideswipe straight-moving vehicles, ending up with thousands in repair costs - way more painful. Remember: always check intersection signals thoroughly, never go by gut feeling. Developing the habit of only making U-turns at green lights or designated signals saves headaches. Safety first - dashcams will catch violations anyway, so those few extra seconds of waiting are worth it.
As a frequent advocate for safe driving, I must say making a U-turn at a red light while going straight is extremely dangerous. When the light is red, vehicles from other directions at the intersection are moving at high speed, and attempting a U-turn can easily lead to side collisions or rear-end accidents, especially during rainy or foggy conditions with poor visibility. Statistics show that such violations are common in busy areas, leading to increased accident rates. The correct approach is to wait for the green light or confirm the presence of a U-turn permission sign before proceeding. Urban road designs sometimes allow U-turns under special circumstances, but without clear indications, it's best not to attempt it. Remind yourself every time you get behind the wheel: safety first—don't let impulse ruin your journey. Cameras are everywhere, and the cost of violations is high. A little patience benefits everyone.
