Can You Make a U-Turn in the Left-Turn Waiting Zone?
2 Answers
You can make a U-turn in the left-turn waiting zone, but only if the waiting area is marked with dashed lines. If it's a solid line, U-turns are not allowed, and you must wait until the left-turn green light is on. When making a U-turn at a traffic light, you need to observe the signal indications. If the opposing lane has a green light for straight movement, you must wait until the opposing lane's signal turns red before executing the U-turn. During the U-turn, pay attention to the movement of vehicles in front and behind to avoid unnecessary accidents due to high speed, where other drivers may not react in time. The party violating traffic laws will bear most of the responsibility.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I consider U-turns in the left-turn waiting zone to be a major risk. That area is designed with limited space specifically for left-turn preparation, not for making U-turns. I once witnessed someone attempting it, nearly colliding with waiting vehicles behind and causing traffic congestion. From a regulatory perspective, traffic authorities explicitly prohibit this because U-turns require more time and space, and performing them in the waiting zone jeopardizes overall traffic flow safety. If you must make a U-turn, find a dedicated U-turn lane or an open section of road to execute it safely. Safety comes first—don’t cut corners. Make it a habit to always check signs or signals first; if unsure, simply drive on and wait for a suitable spot. Paying attention to these details in daily driving can help avoid tickets and accidents.
