Do You Need to Cross the Zebra Crossing When Making a U-Turn?
3 Answers
It depends on the situation: 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 and are not affected by traffic signals. In this case, 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 you cannot make a U-turn on the zebra crossing. If you do, according to Article 90 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," you will be penalized with a 3-point deduction and a fine of 200 yuan. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the zebra crossing, you must yield to pedestrians: 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 proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Failing to stop is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If pedestrians cross the centerline and enter the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and will be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the middle, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Cases where U-turns are allowed: If there is a 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 without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No left turn" signs or solid centerlines. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. These lines indicate no-parking zones but do not prohibit U-turns unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. If there are both "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs, U-turns are permitted but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No left turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, as 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, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. If you interfere with their right of way, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane is not always for left turns—some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit prohibitions, U-turns are not allowed in such lanes.
I remember once when I was making a U-turn while driving, there were pedestrians crossing at the zebra crossing just as I was about to turn. I almost didn't stop in time, but fortunately, I managed to brake in the nick of time. Since then, I've been extra careful to find safe spots for U-turns, like avoiding zebra crossings whenever possible, choosing intersections with designated U-turn signs, or waiting until no pedestrians are crossing. Traffic rules are actually quite clear—zebra crossings are for pedestrians to cross the street, and vehicles shouldn't drive over them while making U-turns, as it could obstruct pedestrians or even cause accidents. In real-world driving, I recommend stopping at an appropriate spot first to observe your surroundings and ensure it's safe before proceeding. This not only protects others but also helps you avoid getting a ticket. Once you develop this habit, driving becomes more relaxed, and you won't have to constantly worry about breaking the rules.
As a new driver who just got my license, I learned the rules for making U-turns during driving lessons. The instructor emphasized that U-turns must absolutely avoid zebra crossings, as they are pedestrian priority zones. If there's a zebra crossing ahead, I should slow down in advance and look for designated U-turn spots or detour to a safe location. During practice, I've developed the habit of checking maps for dedicated U-turn lanes to avoid mistakes during rush hour. This not only complies with traffic regulations but also reduces nervousness and makes driving smoother. Remember, safety comes first – prioritize pedestrians' right of way, and learning to anticipate road conditions is key.
