Can You Make a U-Turn at an Intersection?

[DeArabella]

Whether a vehicle can make a U-turn at an intersection depends on the specific road conditions. Below are the situations where a U-turn is permitted at an intersection. Lanes with U-turn signs: When the U-turn signal light is green, you can make a U-turn while ensuring your own safety. Intersections without U-turn signs but allowing left turns: At intersections where left turns are permitted and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns, you can also make a U-turn. However, the U-turn should not affect the normal flow of other vehicles, and you must follow the left-turn lane signal light. Yellow grid line areas: Although yellow grids are no-stopping zones, as long as there is no central barrier, you can make a U-turn after yielding to normally moving vehicles. Areas with dashed lines on the green belt: Vehicles on the side where the dashed lines are located can make a U-turn there. Note that U-turns in this situation are not controlled by traffic signals, but you must yield to vehicles moving straight. If making a U-turn does not require crossing the lane stop line, you do not need to consider the traffic light and can make a reasonable U-turn. However, if making a U-turn requires crossing the stop line of the left-turn or U-turn lane, you must observe the traffic light. Do not cross the stop line when the light is red.

[EthanAnn]

My decade-long driving experience has taught me that there are three things to check before making a U-turn at an intersection! First, check the traffic lights—proceed if there's a left-turn green light or a dedicated U-turn signal. Second, look for road signs—a blue background with white lettering indicating a U-turn is the most straightforward. Third, observe the road markings—a yellow dashed line means a U-turn is allowed, but a solid double yellow line is a definite no-go! Pay special attention: never make a U-turn on a crosswalk; drive to the opposite lane before turning. Some intersections have U-turn zones in the far-right lane, which beginners often miss. Be cautious at intersections with medians—SUVs might get stuck if the gap is too narrow. When in doubt, it's better to drive a few hundred meters further to find a safe spot than to risk getting a ticket.

[McVivian]

I remember my driving instructor said: When making a U-turn at an intersection, you must yield to through traffic. Nowadays, many cities have added waiting zones. When the light is red, you can move your front wheels into the waiting zone line and wait for the green light, saving one traffic light cycle. I was just caught by an electronic eye last week—here’s a lesson: solid yellow lines are like walls; never cross them! Once, I saw the car in front make a U-turn on the dashed side of a double yellow line, and three cars behind followed suit, only to be stopped by traffic police. Turns out, the dashed line only applies to the first car; the following cars must wait until they enter the dashed zone to turn. When making a U-turn, keep a close eye on non-motorized vehicles in your rearview mirror, especially food delivery e-bikes that often dart out from the right side.

[Edward]

As a female night-shift driver, I’d like to remind everyone of three key points: First, pay attention to traffic light configurations—a regular circular red light prohibits U-turns (unless signage permits), while a left-turn arrow means you can proceed accordingly. Second, observe gaps in guardrails—intersections with openings are almost always U-turn-friendly. Third, watch for special rules—for example, the intersection near our train station bans U-turns 24/7. Last week, I saw a car penalized for making a U-turn on a left-turn red light. A special reminder: if there’s a left-turn waiting zone marked on the road, you must wait for the green light before crossing the stop line! Ideally, complete U-turns in one smooth motion—reversing to adjust is highly risky.