Can You Make a U-Turn in a Left-Turn Lane?
2 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn in a left-turn lane mainly depends on the signs at the intersection. Situations where U-turns are allowed: 1. When driving in a left-turn lane without a U-turn signal and not having passed the stop line, and the intersection has dashed lines, a U-turn is allowed regardless of the red light, but you must yield to other vehicles; 2. When driving in a left-turn lane and not having passed the stop line, and the central barrier at the intersection has a U-turn passage, a U-turn is allowed regardless of the red light, but you must yield to other vehicles; 3. When driving in a left-turn lane without a U-turn signal, and the intersection has no dashed lines or gaps in the guardrail, follow the traffic light ahead—U-turns are allowed on green after crossing the stop line and pedestrian crossing; 4. When driving in a left-turn lane with a U-turn signal at the intersection, and the intersection has no dashed lines or gaps in the guardrail, follow the U-turn signal—U-turns are allowed on green after crossing the stop line and pedestrian crossing. Situations where U-turns are not allowed: 1. When driving in a left-turn lane and not having passed the stop line, and the intersection has dashed lines, but there is a U-turn signal showing red, U-turns are prohibited; 2. When driving in a left-turn lane without a U-turn signal, and the intersection has no dashed lines or gaps in the guardrail, follow the traffic light ahead—U-turns are prohibited on red; 3. At intersections with a 'No Left Turn' sign, neither left turns nor U-turns are allowed.
In my twenty years of driving experience, this issue is quite common. I remember at intersections in old urban areas, making a U-turn in the left-turn lane depends on road signs and traffic signals. If there are no prohibitory signs and the road width permits, theoretically, a U-turn is allowed. However, safety must be ensured, such as avoiding peak traffic, checking mirrors, and preventing collisions with straight-moving vehicles. I've been fined a few times in Guangzhou for overlooking no-U-turn signs on small roads. Rules vary by location; intersections in big cities often have restrictions, while suburban areas might be more lenient. Develop a habit: always scan for surrounding signs before maneuvering, don't rush into turns—preventing accidents is more important than saving time. It's advisable to carry a traffic handbook for reference, as beginners are more prone to oversight.
