Can You Make a U-Turn in a Left-Turn Lane?
2 Answers
U-turns are not allowed in left-turn lanes that have a no U-turn sign. According to regulations, motor vehicles are prohibited from making 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 road sections. Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. Permissible U-turn scenarios are as follows: U-turn traffic lights or signs: When an intersection has a U-turn traffic light, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn light is green. If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn marking on the lane, a U-turn is allowed as long as safety for oneself and others is ensured. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition of U-turn signs): Vehicles can make U-turns at intersections where left turns are permitted and no U-turn prohibition signs or markings are present. It is important to note that vehicles must follow the left-turn lane traffic signal without disrupting the normal flow of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, vehicles may first enter the waiting area when the straight-ahead light is green and then make the U-turn when the left-turn light turns green. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: U-turns are permitted at both white and yellow dashed lines. For double yellow lines (one solid and one dashed), check whether the side you are on is dashed—if it is, a U-turn is allowed if safe; if it is solid, a U-turn is prohibited. At intersections with double yellow lines (solid and dashed), U-turns can be made on the dashed side, but the vehicle must not cross the stop line ahead.
I often drive around the city and have encountered this issue many times. Whether you can make a U-turn in a left-turn lane really depends on the specific location. Once at an intersection, there was a big 'No U-turn' sign in the left-turn lane, so I definitely didn't dare to make one; but at another intersection in a commercial area, with no sign and the green light on, I safely made a U-turn. The key is to pay attention to the traffic signals and conditions—if you see yellow lines on the ground or prohibition signs, stop immediately. Safety is very important, so I always slow down to observe the oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Making a reckless U-turn could lead to a collision or a fine. I suggest friends who drive regularly to download a navigation app to check local rules, as different cities handle this quite differently—don't just rely on others' experiences.
