Do I Need to Wait for the Traffic Light When There is a U-Turn Sign?
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 a penalty of 6 demerit 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. However, 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 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, pedestrians must be given the right of way: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk and not reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing pedestrians to cross. 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 when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the 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 along the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Failing to 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 motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, pedestrians waiting in the middle of the road must be given the right of way. Vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Permissible U-turn situations: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: 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 without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs allow U-turns: If there are no signs prohibiting U-turns, they are permitted. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and no solid centerline. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion, 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 allowed in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If a U-turn signal light is present, follow its instructions—only turn when it is green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-Turn Allowed" signs appear together: 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 a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, 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 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 permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Failure to do so will result in full liability 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.
From my years of driving experience, even if there is a sign allowing U-turns by the roadside, you must wait for the traffic light to turn green before proceeding. Traffic lights take priority as they control the order of the entire intersection. If the light is red, making a U-turn could easily lead to a collision with oncoming vehicles or trigger a chain reaction of accidents. I've witnessed many cases where people assumed the sign gave them free rein, only to end up with fines, penalty points, or even harming others. The essence of safe driving lies in obeying traffic signals: green means safe passage, red means a full stop. Especially in big cities during rush hours, with dense traffic, a split-second difference can cause major incidents. So, my advice is simple—cultivate good habits. Whenever you see a red light, wait patiently. Don't let those signs mislead you. This is about your safety and others'; there's no room for carelessness.
Regarding this issue, I must say traffic rules are clear: the presence of a U-turn permitted sign doesn't mean you can ignore traffic lights. The fundamental principle of stopping at red and proceeding at green applies to all intersection maneuvers. Even if that sign exists, it merely grants you U-turn permission—the traffic signal remains the decisive factor controlling when to execute it. If you force a U-turn during a red light, you're not only violating the Road Traffic Safety Law but also risk being caught on camera and fined. Among drivers I know, some have learned this the hard way—assuming the sign exempted them from waiting, only to get penalty points. In reality, most intersections require waiting for a green light before U-turns unless specifically guided by a dedicated green arrow signal. Ultimately, rules are designed to prevent chaos: check the light first, then the sign—not the reverse. The essence of safe driving lies in obeying every second of signal changes—don't act impulsively just because you're in a hurry.
