Do I need to observe the traffic signal when making a U-turn before a zebra crossing at a dashed line?
3 Answers
When the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the zebra crossing. You can directly make a U-turn as long as it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. If you need to cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: When pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side should slow down and allow them to pass safely. When pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians cross the boundary between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and allow them to pass safely. If vehicles in Lane A do not stop, 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; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. When the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the middle area, vehicles must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Cases 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, follow the signal. If there is no signal, make a U-turn only if it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there are no explicit signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, you can make a U-turn. This means if there are no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and the centerline is not solid, you can proceed with the U-turn. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, U-turns are permitted unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal, you must follow it—only proceed on green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs appear together, U-turns are allowed but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" does not necessarily mean "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If they are solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances; continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited 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, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn. Failing to do so will make you fully liable for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually 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.
I've been driving for over a decade, and this situation is very common. If there are dashed lines allowing U-turns in front of a crosswalk, you must absolutely obey the traffic signals. Crosswalks are designated for pedestrians to cross the road, and failing to check the signals could lead to accidents if people are crossing. I've witnessed several similar incidents in Shanghai that resulted in serious injuries. Traffic regulations clearly state that when making a U-turn with a crosswalk ahead, you must wait for the green light. Making a U-turn on red is illegal and may result in being caught on camera with fines of several hundred yuan. New drivers need to be especially cautious—the road isn't just for vehicles; pedestrian safety is equally important. So, make it a habit to glance at the traffic light color when approaching a crosswalk, ensuring safety before proceeding. Those few seconds you save aren't worth the potential trouble.
As someone who often drives in the city, I believe that when making a U-turn at the dashed line before a crosswalk, you must pay close attention to the traffic lights and not cut corners for convenience. For example, last time I was at an intersection, I attempted a U-turn at the dashed line just as the light turned green. Without waiting, I turned immediately, only to nearly collide with a pedestrian running across from the opposite side. It gave me quite a scare. Traffic regulations are clear: when making a U-turn, pedestrians have the right of way. Moreover, crosswalk areas usually have surveillance cameras. If you don’t obey the lights, the police can fine you—a friend of mine even got points deducted. Safety comes first. Driving a bit slower won’t waste time; instead, it can prevent accidents and protect both yourself and others. Always remember to observe your surroundings carefully before making a U-turn.
