Do I need to wait for the traffic light when making a U-turn at an intersection using the left-turn lane?
3 Answers
If there is a U-turn indicator light and it is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this violation incurs: 6 penalty points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn indicator light, and the gap is marked with a dashed 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, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal. Making a direct U-turn may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the road's crosswalk, not reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. After pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the road centerline without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the road centerline and entering the lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety when pedestrians are waiting in the middle of the road. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-turn," "No left turn," or solid centerlines, making it safe to proceed. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones, typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited, U-turns are permitted on yellow grid lines unless there is a central barrier. Yellow grid lines without barriers are equivalent to "U-turn allowed." Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. Simultaneous no-left-turn and U-turn-allowed signs: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No left turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed 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, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with straight-moving vehicles, or you will bear full responsibility 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 without explicit no-U-turn signs.
After driving on the road for so many years, I've seen many people borrow the opposite lane to make a U-turn at intersections, and some always think they don't need to wait for the green light to turn directly. Honestly, this practice is too dangerous. Traffic rules clearly state that at signal-controlled intersections, whether turning left or making a U-turn, you must wait for the green light before proceeding. I once witnessed an accident where a driver didn't wait for the light, occupied the opposite lane to make a U-turn, and collided with a straight-moving vehicle. Not only did it cost thousands in repairs, but they also lost 6 points on their license. Safety first—never prioritize speed over caution. Regularly checking your headlights to ensure good visibility at night is also crucial. In case of disputes after an accident, having a dashcam provides peace of mind. In short, waiting for the light isn’t a waste of time—it’s about protecting yourself and others.
I remember my driving instructor repeatedly emphasized: at intersections with traffic lights, U-turns must follow the signal rules. 'Borrowing the lane' essentially means occupying the opposite lane, and doing this during a red light is absolutely not allowed. The law clearly states that after the red light comes on, any form of crossing or U-turn is prohibited. Violators may face a fine of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points for minor offenses, or cause a chain collision in severe cases. Some intersections have special markings allowing U-turns, but you still can't move before the green light comes on. When driving, I usually observe the traffic light changes in advance to estimate the waiting time. For example, during peak hours when red lights last longer, don't rush. Watching more traffic regulation educational videos can improve reaction speed. Following the light instructions makes driving smoother.
