Do I Need to Wait for a Red Light to Make a U-Turn?

[LeEsther]

It depends on the specific situation. If there is a dashed line on the left side of the stop line, you can make a U-turn in advance without waiting for the red light. All vehicle actions, including U-turns and turns, must be performed without affecting the passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Here are the relevant details: 1. Situations where a U-turn is allowed during a red light: When the centerline of the road is a combination of solid and dashed yellow lines (double yellow lines), vehicles on the side with the dashed line can make a U-turn without affecting oncoming traffic, regardless of whether the left-turn signal is red. However, vehicles on the side with the solid line must not make a U-turn. Such intersections often have cameras for illegal U-turns, and if caught, you will be penalized with 3 points deducted and a fine of 200 yuan. For U-turns at locations with clear no-U-turn signs, the penalty is 6 points deducted and a fine of 200 yuan. 2. Situations where you must wait for a red light to make a U-turn: If there is no no-U-turn sign (and no U-turn signal) in the middle of the road, and one of the following lanes is present—a left-turn lane, a U-turn lane, or a shared left-turn and U-turn lane—you must wait for the left-turn signal to turn green before making a U-turn. Note that if the intersection also has a pedestrian crosswalk, pedestrians have the right of way on the crosswalk, and you cannot make a U-turn on the crosswalk. Instead, you can make a U-turn either after passing the crosswalk or in a gap before the crosswalk.

[Evelyn]

With 30 years of driving experience, I can say that stopping at red lights when turning left or making a U-turn is a fundamental rule. At most intersections, unless there is a clear green arrow for left turns, you must stop and wait when the red light is on. Once at a crossroads, I saw someone rushing to make a U-turn through a red light and ended up colliding with a straight-moving vehicle. This not only damaged the cars but also led to fines and insurance disputes. If there is a specific signal allowing turns, such as a flashing yellow arrow, then you may proceed with caution, but stopping at red is the general principle. I usually make it a habit to observe signal changes well before reaching an intersection to ensure a safe distance. Remember, the core of traffic rules is to protect everyone's safety—there’s no room for haste. In short, developing the habit of waiting for the green light can prevent countless accidents.

[Colton]

I've studied numerous traffic regulations, and under normal circumstances, both left turns and U-turns must stop at red lights. A red signal means all directional movements should cease unless there are exceptional signs like 'Left Turn Permitted on Red,' but such cases are rare, especially for U-turns which are more commonly prohibited. In urban driving, traffic signals are designed with traffic safety in mind: left turns are only permitted when the green arrow is lit; otherwise, they must be completed under a regular green light while yielding to other vehicles. I often remind myself to check local traffic law details, such as state-specific variations, but this principle is universal. Ignoring it could lead to tickets or worse consequences, so strict compliance is the best approach.

[ONevaeh]

When I first got my driver's license, I was a bit confused about the rules for left turns. The instructor emphasized that whether it's a left turn or a U-turn, you must stop at a red light. Even if the intersection is empty, it's not allowed. You can only proceed with the turn when the green arrow is lit; otherwise, you have to wait for the green light. I learned that U-turns are particularly restricted, often prohibited by a red light at signalized intersections unless there's a special sign indicating otherwise. In practice, I always check the traffic light color and directional signs to avoid misjudgment. This habit has helped me avoid several potential dangers, which feels very practical. In short, patiently observing signals is a crucial step for safe driving.