Do I need to use turn signals when making a U-turn?
3 Answers
When making a U-turn, vehicles must use turn signals. Motor vehicles are allowed to make U-turns at locations without prohibitive signs or markings against U-turns or left turns, provided they do not hinder the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Failure to use turn signals during a U-turn may result in a fine and a 1-point deduction. Guide to vehicle light usage: Turn signals: Must be activated when turning, flashing intermittently to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. Timing is crucial - turn signals should be engaged approximately 30 to 100 meters before the turning point. Activating them too early may give trailing vehicles the false impression of 'forgotten signals', while activating too late leaves following vehicles and pedestrians unprepared, potentially causing errors. Brake lights: These bright lights inform trailing vehicles about deceleration or stopping. Regular inspection is essential - damaged brake lights not promptly replaced can easily cause rear-end collisions, which are particularly harmful to cervical vertebrae. Reverse lights: Reduce blind spots when backing up. White reverse lights illuminate when reversing, serving dual purposes: lighting up rear obstacles/road surfaces to minimize blind zones, and alerting pedestrians behind the vehicle.
I've been driving for ten years, and signaling before making a U-turn is no trivial matter. I remember last year at an intersection, I deliberately turned on my left turn signal ten meters in advance when preparing to U-turn, but an electric scooter still brushed past my rear bumper, giving me a cold sweat. Traffic Regulation Article 51 clearly states that vehicles must use the left turn signal when making a U-turn. Even my driving instructor used to say 'lights are more effective than horns.' If caught by traffic police without signaling, a 100-yuan fine would be considered lenient. Now when making U-turns in the city, it's become muscle memory for me—first check the mirrors, slow down, then signal, and only turn the steering wheel after confirming it's safe. Otherwise, I'd rather drive two extra kilometers.
When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with this issue. The driving test guide repeatedly emphasized: turn signals are the language of vehicles. Last time when my driving coach taught me how to make a U-turn on Fuxing Road, he specifically asked me to watch the taxi following me in the rearview mirror. When I didn't signal, the car was tailgating me at just three meters. The moment I turned on the signal, it immediately braked and left a ten-meter space—that's the power of signals. Although some small roads may seem empty, you never know when a delivery guy might suddenly appear. Now, I flash my turn signal at least five times before turning the wheel, so the car behind knows 'this guy is about to do something big.'
