Can you make a U-turn in a dedicated U-turn lane without looking at the traffic light?
4 Answers
You cannot make a U-turn in a dedicated U-turn lane without looking at the traffic light. The following are the situations where you do not need to wait for the traffic light to make a U-turn: 1. There is a sign indicating: If there is a sign before the traffic light intersection indicating that the U-turn is not controlled by the traffic light, you can make a U-turn directly without waiting for the green light. 2. A U-turn dotted line is set: If there is a U-turn dotted line set before the traffic light intersection, and the dotted line does not exceed the stop line, you can make a U-turn directly without being controlled by the traffic light. 3. A dedicated channel is set: If there is a dedicated U-turn channel set before the stop line, such as in the intersection green belt or fence, this situation is not controlled by the traffic light.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I'm telling you that you absolutely cannot ignore traffic lights on a dedicated U-turn lane. This is the most fundamental safety rule. Traffic lights are the signaling core of any intersection—regardless of whether there's a dedicated lane, they control the right-of-way for all vehicles. Just imagine how terrifying it would be if you blindly make a U-turn while vehicles from other directions have a green light to go straight! I've personally witnessed accidents caused by drivers who thought dedicated lanes gave them more freedom, only to get T-boned by cross traffic. Traffic laws clearly state that all motor vehicles must obey traffic signals, and U-turns are no exception. Dedicated lanes exist for convenience, not to grant special privileges. Always find a reliable intersection, stop at red lights, and wait for a green light or a specific arrow before proceeding. Don't risk trouble just to save a few seconds—fines and demerit points are minor compared to personal safety. Develop good habits: look carefully, stop when needed, and ensure everything is safe before moving.
I often remind my friends to keep a close eye on traffic lights when using dedicated U-turn lanes. Because road signals are integrated—green lights grant right-of-way to all, while red lights signal your turn to wait or stop. Ignoring them carries high risks: for instance, oncoming turning traffic or pedestrians crossing might be present. I know a real-life case where a guy made a U-turn without checking the light and collided with a fire truck, nearly totaling his car. Vehicle insurance can cover repairs, but injuries bring irreversible regret. The rule is simple and clear: a dedicated lane doesn’t mean ignoring signals. On the contrary, since U-turns are slower maneuvers, confirming safe gaps is even more critical. Check for special signs in your area, but typically, traffic lights govern the entire scenario. Stay alert and never let your guard down. Safe driving isn’t just a slogan—it’s built through real actions.
As a new driver, I recently figured this out. The driving instructor repeatedly emphasized that even on a dedicated U-turn lane, you must obey the traffic light signals. Because traffic lights are the core control devices at intersections, they dictate the overall traffic sequence. If we move without checking, we might interfere with other vehicles or cause rear-end collisions. Here's a simple example: stop at a red light, wait for the green light to turn on, and then make a slow U-turn. This ensures smooth traffic flow. Rules are meant to be followed, so don't try to cut corners.
