Can You Make a U-Turn When the Circular Red Light Is On?
2 Answers
You cannot make a U-turn when the circular red light is on. However, you can make a U-turn at a green light on roads where U-turns are not prohibited. Here are the situations where U-turns are allowed: Presence of U-turn signals or signs: At intersections with U-turn signals, you can make a U-turn when the U-turn indicator is green. If there are U-turn signs or markings on the lane allowing U-turns, you can make a U-turn while ensuring the safety of yourself and others. No U-turn signs but left turns are allowed (no prohibition signs for U-turns): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are permitted and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns. Note that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn signal without interfering with other vehicles. If there is a left-turn waiting area at the intersection, you can enter the waiting area when the straight-through light is green and wait until the left-turn light turns green to make the U-turn. U-turns allowed at dashed lines: Whether it's a white or yellow dashed line, U-turns are permitted. For double yellow lines with one solid and one dashed, check if your side is the dashed line. If it is, you can make a U-turn safely; if it's solid, U-turns are not allowed. If you encounter double yellow lines at an intersection, you can make a U-turn on the dashed line side but must not cross the stop line ahead. U-turns allowed at yellow grid lines: Parking is prohibited in yellow grid areas, but as long as there is no central barrier, you can make a U-turn after yielding to normally moving vehicles. U-turns allowed on the dashed side of a green belt: When the front of the green belt is a dashed line, vehicles on that side can make a U-turn there. If the front of the green belt is a solid line, vehicles must follow the traffic signal, cross the pedestrian crossing, and then make a U-turn. Driving over solid lines or pedestrian crossings for U-turns is prohibited. Precautions for U-turns: When making a U-turn, you should activate the left turn signal in advance, keep the speed below 30 km/h, and avoid obstructing other vehicles and pedestrians.
When I first started driving, I always thought it was okay to make a U-turn at a red light. However, one time at a commercial street intersection, I almost hit an elderly lady crossing the road while attempting a U-turn on red. Luckily, I managed to brake in time. Now I understand that generally, U-turns are not allowed when the circular red light is on, unless there's a specific sign stating 'U-turn permitted on red.' Making a U-turn is equivalent to a turning movement, and a red light means coming to a complete stop—any movement is unsafe. In some cities, like certain major intersections in Guangzhou, there might be dedicated U-turn lanes and traffic signals, allowing U-turns only when the light is green. When driving, it's essential to pay attention to road signs, especially in unfamiliar areas. Safety is more important than anything else. I've developed a habit of checking my GPS route and potential intersection signal rules before every trip to avoid reckless actions that could endanger my life and others'.
