Can You Make a U-Turn in the Waiting Zone?

[Riley]

U-turns are allowed in the left-turn waiting zone. When the left-turn signal is red, if you are the first in line, you should enter the waiting zone instead of waiting at the intersection. When the left-turn signal turns green, you can start making a U-turn from the middle of the road. If you are not first in line, as long as you have crossed the pedestrian crosswalk, you can make a U-turn at any dotted line in the left-turn waiting zone. Location of the left-turn waiting zone: The left-turn lane is extended by several meters with a white dotted line frame, directly connecting to the middle of the road. These white dotted frames mark the "left-turn waiting zone." 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 a U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit U-turn or left-turn prohibitions: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns, you can make a U-turn. "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. U-turns allowed in yellow grid zones: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, and other necessary locations. Stopping (including waiting for traffic lights) in these zones is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid zones are equivalent to "U-turn permitted" areas. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal light, you must wait for the green light to make a U-turn. When "No left-turn" and "U-turn permitted" signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-turn" does not mean "No left-turn." Points to note when making U-turns at intersections: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn spot. If there is a "No left-turn" sign ahead, even if it doesn’t mention 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 vehicles going straight. Only make a U-turn if it does not interfere with straight-moving traffic; 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. If there is a straight arrow, even without explicit "No U-turn" signs, U-turns are not allowed.