Do You Need to Cross the Zebra Crossing When Making a U-Turn?

[DiCarlos]

It depends: If the gap is marked with a solid line, you must cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn and are subject to traffic signals; if the gap is marked with a dashed line, you do not need to cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn and are not affected by traffic signals. You can make a U-turn directly as long as it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. Note that making a U-turn on the zebra crossing is prohibited. Violators will be penalized with a 3-point deduction and a fine according to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China." If you need to cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk without reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and, based on ensuring safety, allow them to pass through the crosswalk. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and, based on ensuring safety, allow them to pass through the crosswalk. When pedestrians cross the boundary line between 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) along the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and, based on ensuring safety, allow them to pass through the crosswalk. 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 without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians are separated by a green belt in the middle of the road and waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and, based on ensuring safety, allow them to pass through the crosswalk. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make a U-turn based on the specific situation without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions on U-turns or left turns: If there is no explicit prohibition on U-turns, you can make a U-turn. "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, you can confidently make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, entrances of important institutions, and other necessary locations. Any vehicle stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is violating traffic rules. Although parking 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 signal lights: This is straightforward. If there is a U-turn signal light, you must wait for the green light to make a U-turn. When "No left turn" and "U-turn permitted" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location for a U-turn. If there is a "No left turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of prohibiting U-turns, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are similar actions, and a U-turn always involves a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection.