Can You Make a U-Turn at Traffic Lights?
4 Answers
As long as there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn when the light is green, provided it does not affect the flow of straight-moving vehicles. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: Dedicated U-turn lanes: Many intersections have dedicated left-turn or U-turn lanes. In such cases, you must use your turn signal and ensure that your U-turn does not disrupt the normal flow of other vehicles. Areas without explicit prohibitions: While driving, if there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns, you can make one as long as it doesn't interfere with other vehicles. However, be cautious about crossing lines to avoid penalties. Intersections with U-turn traffic signals: It's common to encounter intersections with dedicated U-turn signals. Follow the signal's instructions, but ensure the light is green before turning left. Additionally, you must use the designated lane for U-turns; otherwise, it's a traffic violation that may result in fines or penalties if caught on camera. U-turns allowed over yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones, typically placed at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops. These are often found near important institutions, government buildings, or schools. You can legally make a left turn or U-turn over yellow grid lines.
That's a good question. Based on my years of driving experience, whether you can make a U-turn at a traffic light intersection depends on the specific setup. Generally, you should check for any no U-turn signs or road markings. If there are prohibitive signs or markings, you absolutely cannot make a U-turn—it's both illegal and dangerous. If there are no such signs, then you need to observe the traffic lights: when the light is green and there's a left-turn arrow, you can usually make a U-turn, but doing so on a red light is as risky as going straight. I've had several close calls with pedestrians or cyclists while making U-turns at intersections, especially at crossings with zebra crossings. Always look around and ensure it's safe before turning. New drivers often overlook this—it's safer to wait or observe the signal changes more carefully until it becomes a habit.
From the perspective of traffic regulations, making a U-turn at a traffic light intersection is not something you can do casually—it's primarily governed by traffic laws. Based on my understanding, Chinese regulations clearly state that U-turns at intersections must comply with traffic signal indications: permitted on green, prohibited on red. Even when there are no prohibition signs, drivers must consider whether the maneuver affects other vehicles. For example, making a U-turn at a busy intersection could block traffic or cause accidents, and if caught, traffic police may issue fines or deduct points. It's advisable to develop the habit of checking road signs and ground arrows in advance while driving. Some intersections have dedicated U-turn zones or dashed lines indicating permission—those are safe to use. Otherwise, play it safe and wait until the next intersection to make a U-turn, avoiding unnecessary risks.
In practice, I can simply tell you how to judge. When driving to an intersection and wanting to make a U-turn, first glance to see if there's a large 'No U-turn' sign or red cross markings—if there is, don't do it. If nothing is there, check the traffic light: if the green light is on, especially when the left-turn arrow is lit, you can make a slow U-turn, but be careful not to obstruct straight-moving traffic. Absolutely no U-turns during a red light; you must wait as if stopping. Safety first—ensure no pedestrians or bicycles are approaching before moving.
