Can You Make a U-Turn in a Left-Turn Waiting Area?
2 Answers
Yes, you can make a U-turn in a left-turn waiting area. When the left-turn signal is red, if you are the first in line, you should enter the waiting area instead of waiting at the intersection. When the left-turn signal turns green, you can start the U-turn from the middle of the road. If you are not the first in line, as long as you have crossed the pedestrian crosswalk, you can make a U-turn at any dashed line in the left-turn waiting area. Location of the left-turn waiting area: The left-turn lane has a several-meter-long white dashed box that connects directly to the middle of the road. These white dashed lines mark the "left-turn waiting area." Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs: If there is no explicit prohibition against U-turns, you can make one. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection has no "no U-turn" or "no left-turn" signs, and the center line is not solid. In such cases, you can confidently make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, and other necessary locations. Any vehicle stopping on these grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is violating traffic rules. Although stopping is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turns permitted." Intersections with U-turn signal lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal light, wait for the green light to make the U-turn. When "no left turn" and "U-turn permitted" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "no U-turn" does not mean "no left turn." Things to note when making U-turns at intersections: Observe road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "no left turn" sign, even if there is no mention of no U-turns, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are similar maneuvers—both require turning left first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles and only make a U-turn if it does not interfere with their normal flow. Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows for drivers to choose their direction. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if the arrow indicates straight ahead, U-turns are not allowed even if there are no explicit prohibitions.
I often drive in the city and have encountered this situation many times. Of course, you can make a U-turn in the left-turn waiting area, but there are several key points to note. First, check if there are any no U-turn signs or dedicated U-turn signals at the intersection. If not, it's usually allowed. Second, you must wait for the left-turn green light to turn on before making a U-turn. Stopping in the waiting area during a red light is illegal. Third, never cross the solid line of the opposite lane during the U-turn. The most important thing is to ensure safety—wait until all straight-going vehicles have passed before moving. Some intersections have heavy opposing traffic, and I've seen near-misses from forced U-turns. If the intersection has two stop lines, remember to complete the U-turn before the second line.
