Do I need to wait for the traffic light when making a U-turn in a lane marked with a U-turn sign?
2 Answers
If there is a U-turn signal light and it is red, you must wait to make a U-turn. Otherwise, it will be considered running a red light, which, according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," will result in a penalty of 6 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, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal. 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: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the road's crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side of the road must slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Vehicles in Lane A that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline of the road and enter the lane, vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, vehicles must slow down and allow pedestrians waiting in the middle of the road to pass safely. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn can be made. 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 without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, a U-turn can be made. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection has no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow its instructions—only make a 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. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the 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 if there is no explicit "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. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Failure to do so may result in full liability for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows. If the arrow is straight, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.
To be honest, when making a U-turn in a lane marked with a U-turn sign, you must wait for the traffic light. Personally, having driven for over ten years, I've encountered similar situations several times. That U-turn sign only indicates that U-turns are allowed on this road, but if there's a traffic light at the intersection, no matter what kind of signal it is, you have to wait until it turns green. Many people might think that since there's a sign, they can make a U-turn freely, but in reality, the traffic light controls the entire intersection. If you attempt a U-turn during a red light and a vehicle from the opposite direction comes straight at you, an accident is very likely. I still remember one time driving in the city when a driver thought the U-turn sign meant they didn't have to wait for the light, and ended up getting a ticket from the traffic police. The fine is minor compared to safety concerns! So, my advice is, whenever you see this combination of signs and signals, observe the traffic light first—wait if you have to, don't take the risk. Developing this habit in daily driving can save a lot of trouble and protect both your safety and others'.
