Can You Make a U-Turn at an Intersection?
3 Answers
You can make a U-turn at an intersection. Additional information: 1. Traffic regulations: 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, crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other dangerous sections of the road. 2. Precautions: At locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, motor vehicles can make U-turns, but they must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. According to the regulations, if there are no other prohibitions, vehicles in the left-turn lane can make a U-turn after crossing the crosswalk, but during the U-turn, vehicles must yield to pedestrians and must not affect pedestrian passage.
I've driven through many intersections and found that whether you can make a U-turn isn't a one-size-fits-all situation. For example, at urban intersections, if there's no no-U-turn sign and the traffic light shows a green left-turn signal, you can usually make a U-turn—but be sure to watch for oncoming traffic and don't take unnecessary risks. At rural intersections, where roads are narrower and there's less traffic, U-turns are often easier. The key thing is that during rain or at night when visibility is poor, the risk of making a U-turn increases significantly, and it might be safer to take a detour. Additionally, some intersections have police officers or cameras, and making an illegal U-turn could result in a ticket; my friend last year got points deducted and had to pay a fine for recklessly making a U-turn in a prohibited zone. So the crucial habit to develop is: slow down in advance, check the signs and signals, and confirm it's safe before acting—this way, you stay both legal and safe.
After years of driving, I've learned that safety should always be the top priority when making U-turns at intersections. Unless there's a clear sign permitting it or a green light indicating a left turn, don't attempt it lightly. Some drivers, seeking convenience, force U-turns at busy intersections, resulting in collisions with oncoming traffic—a truly frightening thought. Remember the basic principles: first, check the traffic signal status; even if the light is green, pay attention to road signs—if there's a 'No U-turn' symbol, you must stop. Environmental factors are also crucial; during peak hours with heavy traffic, U-turns can obstruct the flow and easily lead to accidents. I've also heard of novice drivers making U-turns at unsignalized intersections without using their turn signals, causing rear-end collisions. It's advisable to carry a local traffic regulation handbook or use a traffic law app on your phone to familiarize yourself with regional rules, as some cities have stricter regulations during certain times. Safety first—it's okay to take things slow when in doubt.
