Do You Need to Obey Traffic Lights When Making a U-Turn on a Dotted Line?
3 Answers
According to traffic regulations: When the traffic light is red, if the center line of the road is dotted near the intersection or there is a U-turn channel in the central isolation facility, you can make a U-turn at a red light. In other words, as long as you do not cross the stop line when making a U-turn, you do not need to obey the traffic light. Below are specific details about vehicle U-turns: Prohibited U-turn situations: Motor vehicles must not make arbitrary U-turns at locations with no U-turn signs or no left-turn signs and markings, as well as at railway crossings, crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other sections prone to danger. Permitted U-turn situations: Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn signs or no left-turn signs and markings, provided they do not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians.
When making a U-turn on a dashed line, never ignore the traffic light. Based on my experience, U-turns follow the same rules as turns—if there's a traffic light at the intersection, you must obey it. Only proceed when the light is green. Making a U-turn on red is not only illegal but also likely to be caught by cameras, resulting in fines and penalty points. From a safety perspective, ignoring the light risks collisions with oncoming traffic, especially during rush hour when roads are crowded—an accident would be even more frustrating. In fact, some dashed-line U-turn spots have dedicated signals, but these still follow the main traffic light. My advice for new drivers: develop good habits—always confirm the light is green before U-turning, and never cut corners recklessly. Also, in rain or fog when visibility is poor, slow down and wait for clearer conditions before turning—safety comes first.
Bro, I've got some solid advice on making U-turns. At spots with dashed lines where U-turns are allowed, traffic lights are non-negotiable—just like how I drive: if it's red, I'd rather wait than risk running it; go when it turns green to keep things smooth and avoid fines. Pro tip: In most city intersections, U-turns must follow the signal, especially in areas packed with cameras—running a red for a U-turn is an instant ticket. But don't stress too much; on regular roads without lights, just check for dashed lines and signs. Bottom line: With experience, you'll learn that traffic lights rule—following them keeps your drive hassle-free, avoids fender-benders, and prevents roadside arguments. As we say, stress-free driving comes from sticking to the rules. This little nugget’s gold for newbies.
