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

[VanDominic]

If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this will result in: 6 penalty 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 light, nor does it require crossing the pedestrian crossing. 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. If you need to cross the pedestrian crossing to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk, not reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. When pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. After pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles in the adjacent lane should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When the road is divided by a green belt, and pedestrians are waiting in the middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. 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 hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions: If there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and no solid centerline. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, U-turns are permitted in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions—only proceed when it is green. Simultaneous "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, 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 right of way; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane is not always for left turns; if it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.

[DiArthur]

I've been driving for over ten years and often discuss this issue. Whether you can make a U-turn when the red light is on depends on the specific road conditions and local traffic regulations. In some cities like Hangzhou, at intersections with dedicated U-turn lanes, vehicles are allowed to make a U-turn during a red light as long as you ensure safety and do not affect straight-going vehicles or pedestrians. However, within Beijing's Second Ring Road, the rules are much stricter, and U-turns are absolutely not allowed at most places during a red light—violations are captured by traffic cameras and result in fines and penalty points. I usually slow down in unfamiliar areas to check for signs near the traffic lights, such as indicators allowing U-turns. Safety is the top priority; forcing a U-turn can easily lead to rear-end or side collisions. New drivers, in particular, should be cautious, gain more experience, and learn from practice to reduce risks.