Do You Need to Wait for a Red Light to Make a U-Turn?

[Carmen]

If the U-turn signal light 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 offense carries a penalty of 6 demerit 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 light and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing a pedestrian 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 of the road must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane (Lane A) along the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. If vehicles in Lane A do not stop and yield, it is a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians are 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. If pedestrians cross the centerline of the road and enter the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Scenarios 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 signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not hinder 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 intersection lacks signs like "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn," and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. Yellow grid lines are no-stopping zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, while stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed on yellow grid lines unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light, you must follow it—only proceed on green. If signs prohibiting left turns and allowing U-turns appear together, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-Turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions 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, even if "No U-Turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection, as U-turns inherently involve left turns. 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 at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles before making a U-turn. Failing to do so will make you fully liable for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow—some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit "No U-Turn" signs, U-turns are not allowed in such lanes.

[ORuby]

I've been driving for over ten years and I really think you should wait for the red light to turn green before making a U-turn at intersections. Safety comes first, because when you're turning, there might be oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing the street, and a slight lapse in attention could lead to a collision. I remember an accident last year in our area where a driver rushed to make a U-turn through a red light and ended up hitting an electric scooter. Intersections usually have specific signs, like 'No U-turn' signs, so beginners should pay extra attention to these indicators. Even if there are no signs, waiting for the green light is the safest bet, especially during rush hours when traffic is heavy. I personally make it a habit to double-check the traffic lights and my surroundings before turning to ensure safety. When driving normally, don’t rush either; take your time to develop good habits so a moment of carelessness doesn’t compromise safety. By the way, some intersections have a green light with a left-turn arrow, which makes U-turns even safer at those times.