Can You Make a U-Turn When There's No Left-Turn Signal and the Straight Light is Red?
2 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn when there's no left-turn signal and the straight light is red depends on two scenarios. If there is a sign indicating that left turns and U-turns are allowed, then you can make a U-turn. If there is no such sign, then U-turns are prohibited. Circumstances under which U-turns are allowed include: Presence of U-turn signals or signs: When there is a U-turn signal at an intersection, you can make a U-turn when the U-turn signal is green. If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn indicator on the lane, 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 of U-turn signs or markings): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are allowed and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns. It is important to note that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn signal and without affecting the normal traffic flow of other vehicles. If you need to make a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can enter the waiting area when the straight light is green and wait until the left-turn light turns green to make the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Whether it's a white dashed line or a yellow dashed line, U-turns are permitted. For double yellow lines (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 the solid line, U-turns are not allowed.
I remember struggling with this issue when I first started driving. At an intersection, the straight-through traffic light turned red, and there was no left-turn signal. I pondered whether to make a U-turn. Later, chatting with friends, I learned that making a U-turn on a red light is absolutely not allowed! Traffic rules are clear: when the red light is on, regardless of whether there's a left-turn signal, you must stop properly. The reason is that a U-turn is essentially equivalent to a left turn. When the light is red, vehicles from the intersecting road are passing through, and your U-turn could interfere with them, posing a danger and easily getting caught on camera. A ticket is no small matter—it's generally considered running a red light, with fines and demerit points. For safety, first check if there's a no U-turn sign at the intersection. If the light turns green, then proceed—it's much safer. Develop the habit of stopping at red lights while driving; don’t try to cut corners. This is better than anything else, ensuring safety for yourself and others on the road.
