Can You Make a U-Turn When the Light is Red?

[OErin]

If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this offense carries a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal, nor does it require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a direct U-turn may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, pedestrians must be given the right of way: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe. If pedestrians have crossed the boundary between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles must stop and yield; failing to do so is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians have entered the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and proceed only when it is safe. If vehicles in Lane A do not stop and yield, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop and yield; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians have crossed the centerline and entered the motorized lane, vehicles must stop and yield; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If the road is divided by a median with greenery and pedestrians are waiting in the median area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a 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 the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If the intersection does not explicitly prohibit U-turns or left turns, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-turn" or "No left turn," and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. Yellow grids are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping in these zones (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, U-turns are permitted in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow its instructions—only proceed when it is green. If signs for "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" appear together, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No left turn" sign, even if "No U-turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection, as 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, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with their movement; 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.

[Hunter]

I've been driving for nearly twenty years, and making U-turns at red lights requires extra caution. Generally, traffic regulations prohibit any turns during a red light, including U-turns, as they can easily cause accidents. It's only allowed at special intersections, such as those with dedicated U-turn signs or green arrow signals. I remember when I was younger, witnessing someone making an illegal U-turn at a crossroads—they almost collided with an oncoming car, which was quite a frightening scene. Safety comes first; if you're unsure, it's best to observe carefully or wait for the green light. Develop the habit of paying extra attention to road signs when approaching intersections—like solid lines on the road or overhead signage—as they indicate whether such maneuvers are permitted. Though the rules may seem strict, they truly protect everyone.