Do you need to wait for a red light at a random U-turn point?
2 Answers
If there is a U-turn signal light and it is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this will result in a penalty of 6 points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. If the gap is marked with a solid line, then the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal. Making a U-turn directly may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn by crossing the pedestrian crossing, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the road's crosswalk who have not reached the centerline of the road. Vehicles driving on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed safely to allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed safely to allow them to cross. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield is a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and proceed safely. 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. If vehicles do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road into the lane. If vehicles do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt, pedestrians waiting in the middle of the road must be yielded to by vehicles, which should slow down and proceed safely. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make a U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions: If there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No left turn" signs and no solid centerline. Yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion. While stopping on these lines is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If there is a U-turn signal light, follow it—only turn on green. Signs allowing U-turns but prohibiting left turns: U-turns are permitted even if left turns are prohibited, but "No U-turn" does not mean "No left turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check road markings: If it's a solid line, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No left turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed because 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, U-turns are not permitted. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Failing to do so will make you fully liable for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.
In my experience, when making a U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights, you absolutely must wait for the red light to turn green before proceeding. Having driven for over a decade, I've seen too many drivers attempt U-turns without waiting for the green light, resulting in major accidents. Traffic regulations clearly state that all vehicles must stop at a red light, including those performing U-turns. As for so-called random U-turn spots, if it's a small road without signals, it might not be light-controlled, but you still need to be cautious of violations or hitting pedestrians. It's best not to make U-turns recklessly—always observe the traffic light signals first and proceed safely when the light turns green. If you attempt a U-turn during a red light, at best you'll face fines and penalty points, and at worst, a rear-end collision—it's just not worth it. Remember, safety comes first; a red light is a command to stop—don't gamble with it.
