Can You Make a U-Turn on a Left-Turn Green Light?
3 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn on a left-turn green light depends on the specific situation: 1. At intersections with U-turn signals, if there are dedicated U-turn indicators or ground markings, always follow the instructions of the signals and markings; 2. At intersections without U-turn signals but with left-turn signals, and where there are no prohibitions against U-turns, you can make a U-turn on a green light as long as it does not interfere with oncoming straight-moving traffic; 3. If there is a yellow grid area without a prohibition against U-turns, making a U-turn on a left-turn green light is legal, but stopping in this area on a red light is a violation; 4. If there is a crosswalk before the left-turn lane and no prohibition against U-turns, vehicles in the left-turn lane must pass the crosswalk before making a U-turn.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and whether you can make a U-turn on a left-turn green light depends on the situation. First, check for any no-U-turn signs. If there aren't any, you can usually make a U-turn when the light turns green, but safety must come first. I've had several close calls when making a U-turn while opposing traffic was speeding straight through, so now I always pause and check before moving. Safety is the priority—don’t just rely on the light. Also, watch for pedestrians crossing at crosswalks, especially at night when poor lighting makes it easier to miss details. Additionally, rules vary by city: for example, downtown areas in big cities enforce stricter regulations, while suburbs are more lenient. My personal advice is to stick to left turns and avoid U-turns at unfamiliar intersections to steer clear of trouble. Develop good habits—keep an eye on your mirrors and surroundings to prevent side-swipe accidents. Chatting with veteran drivers, they always stress this point—experience trumps theory any day.
As a new driver who just got my license, I'm always unsure about making U-turns at left-turn green lights. Driving school taught me to check for no-U-turn signs, and theoretically it's allowed on green, but in actual driving I get so nervous: during rush hour cars dart around aggressively, I'm afraid someone might suddenly cut in and hit me, and oncoming straight-moving traffic is fast. I've attempted a few U-turns, but hesitate in crowded areas, especially when rainy conditions make visibility worse. Discussions suggest rules vary by region: suburban intersections may be more lenient, while urban areas have more cameras with heavy fines for violations. During the novice stage, I recommend getting comfortable with left turns first before attempting U-turns. Safe driving is paramount - avoid distractions like music; now I always review my traffic rule booklet before driving to reinforce my memory.
