Do U-turn Lanes Need to Wait for Traffic Lights?
2 Answers
If the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by traffic signals and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. In such cases, you can make a U-turn directly, provided it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to traffic signal control. When making a U-turn that requires crossing a pedestrian crossing, yielding to pedestrians is mandatory: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side must slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians cross the boundary between lanes, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and subject to penalties. Once pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Proceeding without stopping is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians wait at the centerline without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must still stop; otherwise, it is a violation. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians wait in the middle, vehicles must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, U-turns are permitted. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If no traffic light exists, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If there are no explicit prohibitions against U-turns or left turns at the intersection, U-turns are allowed. This means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and no solid centerline. U-turns are also permitted in yellow grid zones, which are no-parking areas. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. If signs allow U-turns but prohibit left turns, U-turns are still permitted. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Important considerations for U-turns at intersections: Check road markings—solid lines prohibit U-turns under any circumstances; continue driving to find a suitable spot. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, U-turns are also prohibited, as they involve a left-turn motion. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane; using the second left-turn lane is not allowed. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn to avoid full liability in accidents. Lane arrows near stop lines indicate permitted movements. If the leftmost lane has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I often have to wait at red lights in the U-turn lane. That's the rule—traffic lights are there to coordinate safe passage for vehicles from all directions. If you don't wait for the red light in the U-turn lane and proceed directly, you might interfere with oncoming straight-moving traffic, potentially causing a serious collision. I've encountered such situations a few times and narrowly avoided accidents, especially when visibility is low at night. Safety always comes first; waiting a few extra seconds can save lives. Of course, some special intersections have dedicated U-turn arrows or signs indicating no need to wait for the light, but without clear instructions, you must patiently wait for the green light. Developing this habit is crucial—it makes urban traffic more orderly and helps avoid hefty fines. Remember, driving isn't about speed; it's about getting home safely.
