Do I need to wait for the red light when making a U-turn at a dotted line?
4 Answers
If there is no dedicated U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dotted line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. If the gap is marked with a solid line, then the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn by crossing the pedestrian crossing, yielding to pedestrians is required: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk have not reached the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing pedestrians to pass through the crosswalk; Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing passage through the crosswalk; When pedestrians cross the dividing line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized; After pedestrians enter motorized lane A along the crosswalk, motorized vehicle B should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If motorized vehicle A does not stop and yield, it is committing a traffic violation and should be penalized; Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized; Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized; When the road is divided by a green belt, and pedestrians are waiting in the middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing passage through the crosswalk. Cases where U-turns are allowed: If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn can be made; if there is a U-turn signal light, follow the signal light's instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition of U-turns" means that as long as there is no "No U-turn sign," "No left-turn sign," or a solid line in the middle of the road, a U-turn can be safely made. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking, important unit entrances, and other necessary locations. Any vehicle stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is committing a violation. Although stopping is not allowed in yellow grid zones, U-turns are permitted. As long as there is no central road barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn allowed." If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal light, follow it. Only proceed with the U-turn when the light is green. If "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are not allowed under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location for the U-turn. If there is a "No left turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of prohibiting U-turns, a U-turn cannot be made at that intersection because the actions of left turns and U-turns are very similar—a U-turn always requires a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, a U-turn cannot be made at that intersection. When making a U-turn, always yield to vehicles going straight. Proceed with the U-turn only if it does not interfere with the normal flow of straight-moving vehicles; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows for vehicles to choose their direction. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if there is a straight arrow, even without explicit "No U-turn" signs, U-turns are not allowed.
This question reminds me of my experience learning to drive. Dashed lines mainly allow vehicles to cross when safe, but when encountering a red light while turning left or making a U-turn, you must wait because a red light means all traffic must stop for safety. Every time I approach such an intersection, even if the dashed line tempts me to pass quickly, I don't take the risk. After all, if a straight-moving car suddenly appears, the consequences could be disastrous. I advise new drivers to observe more and not rush to go; waiting for the red light to turn green is the safest approach. Also, pay attention to whether there are surveillance cameras at the intersection—violating the rules could result in a ticket or even points deducted. Overall, dashed lines are designed to increase flexibility, but red light rules always take priority. It's better to wait a few more seconds than to take risks. Safety first—I've stuck to this habit for a long time and find it worthwhile.
As an experienced driver, I've encountered many similar situations. When making a left turn or U-turn at a dashed line with a red light, you must stop and wait. The dashed line only indicates that the lane can be crossed, not that you can ignore the red light. I often remind myself that driving safety is more important than anything else. If you force a U-turn at a red light, not only could an accident occur, but you might also be caught by cameras and fined. At intersections, I'm accustomed to checking the traffic light color before deciding my next move, only proceeding when it's green. The purpose of dashed lines is to guide lane division or indicate U-turn positions, but the rules remain unchanged—waiting at red lights is basic common sense. I also frequently observe the flow of surrounding traffic to avoid unexpected collisions. Driving this way for ten years, I've always stayed safe.
From my daily experience, stopping at a dotted left-turn or U-turn lane when the traffic light is red is absolutely necessary. The dotted line indicates that turning is allowed there, but when the red light is on, all traffic must stop. Not following this rule poses significant risks, such as the possibility of being hit by vehicles from other directions accelerating through the intersection. I always come to a complete stop at red lights and wait for them to turn green before proceeding—it's both safe and worry-free. Just handle it simply.
