Do U-turns in the left-turn waiting area require observing traffic lights?

[VanPresley]

When making a U-turn in the left-turn waiting lane, it is necessary to observe the traffic signals. If the left turn is red and you are the first in line, you should enter the waiting area instead of waiting at the intersection. When the left-turn signal turns green, you can start making a U-turn from the middle of the road. If you are not first in line, as long as you have passed the pedestrian crosswalk, you can make a U-turn at any dashed line in the left-turn waiting area. Location of the left-turn waiting area: The left-turn lane has an extended white dashed line frame several meters long, directly connecting to the middle of the road. These white dashed lines mark the "left-turn waiting area." Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs permit U-turns: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs allow U-turns: If there is no clear prohibition against U-turns, you can make one. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-turn," "No left turn," or solid center lines, in which case you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn light, follow it; U-turns are only allowed on green. When no-left-turn and U-turn-permitted 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 U-turns at intersections: Observe road markings—if they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn spot. 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 straight-moving vehicles and only make a U-turn if it does not interfere with their normal flow. Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes usually have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow—if it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit no-U-turn signs.