Can You Make a U-Turn in the Left-Turn Waiting Area?
2 Answers
Yes, you can make a U-turn in the 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 an extended white dashed-line box several meters long, directly connecting 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 traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting 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-parking zones, typically painted at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other necessary locations. Stopping on yellow grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed in yellow grid areas. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, you must wait for the green light to proceed. When "No Left Turn" and "U-Turn Permitted" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-Turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings: If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even if "No U-Turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. 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 oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with their right of way; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-Turn" signs.
From years of driving experience, the left-turn waiting area should absolutely not be used for U-turns. That small zone is designed to allow left-turning vehicles to enter and wait in advance during a red light, preparing for the subsequent turn—it is definitely not intended for U-turns. If you force a U-turn there, the traffic signal might still be green for oncoming traffic, and your sudden turn could lead to a direct collision with straight-moving vehicles, creating a very dangerous situation. I’ve heard of a friend who nearly got into an accident due to such a maneuver and later received a ticket. Traffic regulations in many places explicitly prohibit U-turns in the waiting area, only permitting them at designated U-turn points or where signs allow. Safety comes first—patiently wait for the correct spot to execute the maneuver, ensuring compliance with the law while protecting yourself and others.
