Do I still need to wait for the traffic light when there is a U-turn sign?
4 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 offense carries a penalty of: 6 demerit points; 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, 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 crosswalk who 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 road, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing them to pass through the crosswalk; When pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized; After pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If vehicles in Lane A do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized; Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road who do not enter the motorized lane. If vehicles do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized; Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the lane. If vehicles do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized; When the road is divided by a green belt, and pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing them to pass through the crosswalk. 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 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, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns or left turns, 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. In such cases, U-turns are permitted. Yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones, typically 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 zones as long as there is no central barrier. Yellow grid lines without central barriers are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn signal lights: This is straightforward. If there is a U-turn signal light, wait for the green light to make the U-turn. Simultaneous "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs: In this case, 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 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 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 permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with the normal flow of traffic. Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes typically have guiding arrows indicating permitted movements. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if the arrow is straight, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.
Having driven for over a decade, I fully understand the importance of traffic rules. Even with a U-turn sign, you must obediently wait for the traffic light—it's a mandatory rule. Making a U-turn at a red light could easily result in a collision with oncoming vehicles or pedestrians. I've witnessed such accidents at highway exits—how terrifying! Safety first—never ignore traffic signals, especially during nighttime or rainy days with poor visibility, as a single moment of carelessness can lead to major trouble. Some intersections have special signs permitting U-turns at red lights, but they're extremely rare—generally, you must wait for the green light to proceed. So remember, signs merely indicate that a U-turn is possible, but traffic lights dictate when to act—don't cut corners for speed or convenience.
From a traffic regulation perspective, the U-turn sign merely indicates that U-turns are permitted, but traffic lights control the overall right-of-way. You must stop at a red light and can only proceed on green—this applies to all maneuvers including U-turns. Unless there's explicit signage permitting U-turns on red, it constitutes a violation. Having reviewed numerous local traffic codes, I've found this to be the standard regulation. Illegal U-turns incur fines and penalty points while posing significant safety risks. I recommend developing the habit of waiting for the light—it's about protecting yourself from accidents. Don't fall for the misconception that U-turn lanes grant unrestricted privileges. Drive steadily, obey the rules, and we'll all maintain order on the road.
As an urban commuter who drives to work every day, I can definitely say: even with a U-turn sign, you still have to wait for the traffic light. Don't think the sign gives you any privilege—in reality, getting fined for making a U-turn on a red light is quite common. I once got caught at an intersection and was fined 150 yuan. Traffic signals are mandatory rules; waiting for the green light ensures safety and legality—simple, straightforward, and worry-free.
