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

[NatalieMarie]

Generally, you cannot. Below are the relevant rules regarding making a U-turn at a red light: Principles for making a U-turn at an intersection: At intersections with a dedicated U-turn sign and four small characters beneath it, U-turns are allowed regardless of whether the light is red or green. At intersections with a U-turn sign but without those four small characters, U-turns are only permitted when the light is green, but you must yield to oncoming straight-moving vehicles. At intersections where left turns are allowed but there is no dedicated U-turn sign, you must wait for the left-turn green light to make a U-turn. At intersections where left turns are allowed but there is no dedicated U-turn sign, and if the traffic light does not distinguish between left turns and straight movements, you must wait for the green light to make a U-turn while yielding to oncoming straight-moving vehicles. At intersections where left turns are allowed but there is a no U-turn sign, U-turns are prohibited. All intersections that prohibit left turns also prohibit U-turns. Precautions for making a U-turn at a red light: When making a U-turn at a crossroad, you should first drive forward beyond the crosswalk before completing the U-turn maneuver, meaning it is forbidden to make a U-turn over the crosswalk. Vehicles can make a U-turn where there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, but they must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles or pedestrians.

[OJulian]

When it comes to making a U-turn at a red light, safety should be the top priority. As someone who has been driving for years, I know that a red light means stop, and making a U-turn is considered a violation in most places because it’s equivalent to turning left or proceeding, which is prohibited during a red light. I remember that attempting a U-turn at a red-light intersection can easily lead to collisions with oncoming traffic or pedestrians, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. I once had a close call but thankfully stopped in time. Checking intersection signs is crucial—some areas have specific green arrow signals allowing U-turns, which is fine. But under a red light, unless there’s a clear sign stating 'U-turn permitted on red,' it’s best not to attempt it. Developing the habit of stopping and waiting until the light turns green before slowly turning is key to safety. Always check blind spots and ensure no vehicles are coming before moving to avoid tickets or worse.

[DelEvan]

From the perspective of traffic regulations, making a U-turn at a red light is truly inappropriate. I've studied the rules myself—when the red light is on, all forward movement, including U-turns, is prohibited as it disrupts traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Many cities enforce this strictly, with violations potentially resulting in fines or penalty points. For instance, in parts of China and the U.S., U-turns at red lights are banned unless explicitly permitted by signage. I recommend checking local traffic manuals or consulting traffic police to confirm exceptions; however, generally, cultivating the habit of stopping at red lights is crucial. U-turns also require assessing location suitability—performing them outside designated intersections or U-turn lanes carries higher risks. The safest approach is waiting for a green light or using designated zones, avoiding risks for urgent matters. In daily driving, planning routes in advance can minimize the need for sudden U-turns.

[TeaganRose]

The issue of making a U-turn at a red light, in my opinion, is usually not allowed. The most important thing when driving is to stop completely at a red light. Making a U-turn is equivalent to moving, and if caught, you will definitely be fined. I remember not paying attention to this during my novice period, but later heard about the high risks: you might be caught by surveillance cameras or cause an accident. It's advisable to check the signs carefully before deciding on your action; it's better not to attempt it under normal circumstances. Waiting for a green light to make a U-turn is a safer option.

[Mason]

During daily commutes, I never make a U-turn at red lights. As an urban driver, when the red light is on, the only option is to wait. Making a U-turn is considered a traffic violation, which may cause congestion or collisions. Once in a crowded section, someone recklessly made a U-turn and almost hit me—a lesson I won't forget. Always check if there are special rules or designated U-turn points at intersections; otherwise, the safest approach is to stop until the light turns green and then carefully turn, while keeping an eye on the side traffic. Developing good habits ensures safety.