Do Vehicles Need to Observe Traffic Lights When Making a U-Turn?

[Lucian]

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, the vehicle can make a U-turn directly, provided it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures its 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 regulations. Note that making a U-turn on the pedestrian crossing is prohibited. Violations will result in a penalty of 3 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan, as stipulated by the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China." When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, drivers must yield to pedestrians: 1. If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the pedestrian crossing and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side should slow down and allow them to pass safely. 2. 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 allow them to pass safely. 3. If pedestrians cross the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. 4. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the pedestrian crossing, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Failing to stop for pedestrians in Lane A is a violation and will be penalized. 5. If pedestrians wait at the centerline without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation and will be penalized. 6. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation and will be penalized. 7. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the middle, vehicles must slow down and allow them to pass safely. Permissible U-turn scenarios: 1. If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, follow the U-turn signal if present. If no signal exists, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. 2. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, U-turns are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and solid centerlines. 3. U-turns are permitted on yellow grid lines. These lines, marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, prohibit parking but allow U-turns unless there is a central barrier. 4. If there is a U-turn signal, obey it strictly—only proceed on green. 5. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs coexist, U-turns are allowed but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Key precautions when making a U-turn: 1. Observe road markings—never U-turn on solid lines. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. 2. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, as U-turns inherently involve left turns. 3. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. Attempting from the second left-turn lane is prohibited. 4. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles. U-turns should not disrupt their flow, or the U-turning driver bears full accident liability. 5. Near intersections, lane arrows guide vehicle movement. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows—if marked with a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-turn" signs.