Can you make a U-turn directly at an intersection with a left-turn signal?
3 Answers
You can make a U-turn directly at an intersection with a left-turn signal, but not when the red light is on. Introduction to turning: Vehicles must follow the instructions of traffic signals while driving, and generally can only proceed when the light is green. However, in some special cases, such as when turning right on a red light, you may turn without following the traffic signal's instructions. Relevant regulations: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations," 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 sections prone to danger. Motor vehicles can make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, but must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians.
I remember thinking about this the last time I drove through a downtown intersection. Whether you can make a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn signal depends on three key things: the color of the left-turn arrow, the road markings, and the roadside signs. Of course, you can proceed when the light is green, but you must confirm there's no 'No U-turn' sign. If the intersection has double solid yellow lines or a median blocking the way, you'll need to wait until you reach the dashed line area to make the turn. At particularly wide intersections, you also need to pay attention to your U-turn trajectory to avoid getting stuck in the middle of the road because you couldn't complete the turn in one go. The safest approach is to slow down and observe about 50 meters in advance, taking cues from how other vehicles in the same direction handle it. If you're really unsure about an intersection, it's better to pull over and check your navigation or ask a passerby—it's much cheaper than getting a ticket.
A decade of driving experience has taught me not to take things for granted. While a left-turn green light theoretically permits U-turns, not all intersections allow it. Pay attention to two key details: first, check for circular red signs with a diagonal bar indicating prohibition; second, see if the left lane markings are dashed lines. Making a U-turn over solid lines will result in immediate penalty points, and extra caution is needed at intersections with traffic officers directing traffic. In major cities, some smart traffic signals have dedicated U-turn phases—just proceed when the green arrow flashes. My usual practice is to observe the traffic flow about twenty meters before the stop line, waiting for a gap in oncoming straight-moving vehicles before making the turn in one smooth motion. This approach ensures both safety and traffic efficiency.
