Do I Need to Check Traffic Lights When Making a U-Turn?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn requires checking traffic lights. Situations where U-turns are not allowed: 1. Intersections with a 'No U-turn' sign—if an intersection clearly has a 'No U-turn' sign, U-turns are prohibited; 2. Intersections where left turns are prohibited—if there is a 'No Left Turn' sign, even if there is no explicit 'No U-turn' sign, the intersection also prohibits U-turns. A 'No Left Turn' sign carries the dual effect of prohibiting both left turns and U-turns; 3. Left lane with only a straight arrow—near intersections, arrows in each lane guide vehicles to choose lanes based on their direction of travel. If the leftmost lane only has a straight arrow, U-turns are not allowed even if there is no 'No U-turn' sign; 4. Crosswalk areas—crosswalks, also known as pedestrian crossings, do not allow U-turns. Even at intersections where U-turns are permitted, drivers must avoid making U-turns on crosswalks.
Of course you have to look, traffic lights are the core part of traffic rules. As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I deeply understand that not paying attention to the signals when making a U-turn can easily lead to accidents. For example, when attempting a U-turn at an urban intersection, proceeding while the light is red may result in driving into oncoming traffic, which is not only a violation that could lead to fines but also a safety hazard. The safest time to execute a U-turn is when the light is green, and you should also be mindful of pedestrian movements. Some people think that rules are more relaxed on small roads, but the regulations remain the same—obeying traffic signals is essential to avoid conflicts. It's also important to regularly check your vehicle's steering system to ensure it responds promptly. In short, safe driving starts with paying attention to the lights; don't let a moment of impulse ruin the bigger picture.
