Do Vehicles Need to Cross the Crosswalk When Making a U-Turn?
3 Answers
It depends: If the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the crosswalk and is subject to traffic signals; if the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn does not need to cross the crosswalk and is not affected by traffic signals. In this case, the vehicle can make a U-turn directly, provided it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures its own safety. Note that U-turns are not allowed on the crosswalk itself. Violations are punishable under Article 95 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," with a penalty of 3 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. When making a U-turn across a crosswalk, pedestrians must be given the right of way: 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 yield, allowing them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and yield, allowing them to pass safely. If pedestrians cross the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and yield, allowing them to pass safely. If vehicles in Lane A fail to stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians are 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. If pedestrians cross the centerline and enter 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 and pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and yield, allowing them to pass safely. Permissible U-turn scenarios: If an intersection has a U-turn sign, U-turns are allowed. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If no signal light exists, make the U-turn without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. If an intersection has no explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, U-turns are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn," "No Left Turn," or solid centerlines. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. These lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, or other designated areas. While stopping on yellow grid lines is prohibited (including waiting for traffic lights), U-turns are permitted unless a central barrier exists. Yellow grid lines without barriers equate to "U-turn allowed." If an intersection has a U-turn signal light, follow it—U-turns are only allowed on green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs coexist, U-turns are permitted but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" does not mean "No Left Turn." Precautions when making U-turns at intersections: Check road markings. If solid lines are present, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn location. If a "No Left Turn" sign is posted, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, even if "No U-turn" is not explicitly stated, as U-turns inherently involve left-turning movements. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not allowed from the second left-turn lane. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles before making a U-turn. Failure to do so may result in full liability for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows; some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit "No U-turn" signs, U-turns are prohibited in such lanes.
From years of driving experience, never make a U-turn across a crosswalk. Crosswalks are designated safety zones for pedestrians to cross the road. If a vehicle turns there, it's highly likely to collide with pedestrians and cause accidents. Traffic regulations explicitly prohibit this behavior as it violates the principle of pedestrian priority. Once in an urban intersection, I witnessed someone attempting a reckless U-turn across a crosswalk, nearly causing a collision and getting fined by traffic police. The correct approach is to proceed past the crosswalk and execute the U-turn in a safe area, such as a section of the intersection free from pedestrian interference. Remember, extra caution is required in busy areas – waiting for lighter pedestrian traffic makes the maneuver much smoother. Also, stay updated on local traffic law revisions as regulations may vary slightly between cities, though the fundamental principle remains unchanged: safety always comes first.
I think you should never make a U-turn over a crosswalk, purely for the sake of pedestrians. When I drive, I prioritize protecting the safety of pedestrians. Crosswalks are designated for pedestrians, and making a U-turn over them is not only dangerous but could also result in a fine. Last year, I personally witnessed such a situation where a novice driver made a sudden U-turn on a crosswalk, startling pedestrians who had to jump out of the way, and the driver was fined 200 yuan. The best approach is to drive past the crosswalk to an open area before making the turn, ensuring there are no pedestrians in front or behind. Road conditions can be complex, so always take a few extra looks before making a U-turn and slow down for safety. Developing good habits ensures smooth driving in any situation, without worrying about minor issues causing trouble.
