Do I Need to Wait for the Traffic Light When Making a U-Turn from a Left-Turn Lane?
3 Answers
If there is a U-turn signal light and it is red, you must wait; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this will result in: 6 penalty points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal 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, 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 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 when it is safe to do so, allowing pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Failing to stop and yield is a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When the road is divided by a green belt, pedestrians waiting in the central stopping area. Vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Situations where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, U-turns are 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 prohibitions: If there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, U-turns are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection has no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. Yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important unit entrances, and other necessary locations. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed in yellow grid line areas unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions—U-turns are allowed only on green. Simultaneous "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making U-turns at intersections: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not allowed from the second left-turn lane. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles. U-turns should not interfere with their normal flow; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often 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.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and regarding whether to wait for the traffic light when making a U-turn from the left-turn lane, my experience is that you must wait for the green light. Every time I approach an intersection wanting to make a U-turn, I always check the traffic signal first—I stop obediently if the light is red and only proceed when it turns green. Not waiting is too dangerous. I once saw someone in the city center rushing to make a U-turn on a red light and almost hit a pedestrian, resulting in the driver being fined 200 yuan and receiving penalty points. Remember, not all intersections allow U-turns—look for the circular no U-turn sign with a cross inside. If it's there, it's best to drive further to find a permitted spot. Be especially cautious near highway exits regarding signal changes—make U-turns slowly and steadily, as safety is far more important than saving time. Developing this habit can reduce accidents and save you the trouble of fines.
As a frequent driver, I believe you must wait for the green light when making a U-turn in the left-turn lane. Attempting a U-turn during a red light is too risky—you might end up crossing into oncoming lanes and causing an accident. Plus, getting caught by traffic cameras could mean fines and penalty points. My habit is to check the surroundings before proceeding: Are there any pedestrians suddenly crossing? How much oncoming straight traffic is there? It's best to slow down a bit in advance. If there's a 'No U-turn' sign at the intersection, don't take the risk even if the light is green. Following the rules isn't just for your own safety—it also keeps traffic flowing smoothly. I recommend that new drivers review their local traffic regulations, as some places allow maneuvers during yellow lights, but waiting for green is the safest approach. Since adopting this mindset, I've experienced much less driving anxiety.
