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

[KateFitz]

Normally, you need to wait for the left-turn signal to turn green to ensure safety and complete the U-turn without affecting other vehicles. However, there are also some intersections where you can make a U-turn directly without waiting for the traffic light. Cases where you don't need to wait for the traffic light: If there is a sign before the traffic light intersection indicating that U-turns are not controlled by the traffic light, you can make a U-turn directly. If there is a dashed U-turn line before the traffic light intersection and the dashed line does not exceed the stop line, you can make a U-turn directly without being controlled by the traffic light. If there is a dedicated U-turn channel set up before the stop line by the median strip or guardrail at the intersection, you can make a U-turn directly. Cases where U-turns are prohibited: Intersections where left turns are prohibited. If there is a no-left-turn sign at the intersection, even if there is no no-U-turn sign, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection. U-turns are prohibited in crosswalk areas. Crosswalks are for pedestrian passage, and vehicles are prohibited from making U-turns; even if U-turns are allowed, they should be performed away from the crosswalk. If there are two left-turn lanes, the one closer to the middle of the road prohibits U-turns. If there are no signs or U-turn lines, U-turns can only be made in the innermost left-turn lane. Intersections with no-U-turn signs prohibit U-turns. If the leftmost lane is a straight lane, U-turns are prohibited. If the centerline of the road is solid, U-turns are prohibited. Areas where U-turns are not allowed: railway crossings, crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, and tunnels.

[JohnMarie]

I've been driving on the road for many years, and whether you need to wait for a red light to make a U-turn actually depends on a lot of variables. It mainly comes down to the specific intersection design and traffic signal rules. If there are flashing traffic lights at a crossroads, you generally need to wait for the green light to make a U-turn; otherwise, it might count as running a red light, risking being caught on camera for a fine or causing a collision. In some places, like under overpasses or certain one-way streets, there might be signs saying 'U-turn not restricted by signals,' meaning you can go even on a red light—but you must confirm the road signs clearly. I’ve had a few close calls myself when I rushed a U-turn without waiting for the red light and nearly hit oncoming electric scooters—lessons learned the hard way. So while driving, I’ve developed a habit of slowing down first to observe: first, check the traffic light status; second, see if there are any 'no U-turn' markings or signs at the intersection; and third, watch out for pedestrian safety—better to wait a few extra seconds than act recklessly. This approach has helped me avoid trouble, because safety always comes first.

[HeidiLynn]

When I first got my driver's license, I was quite confused about the rules for making U-turns, but now I've figured out some of the basics. In most cases, you do need to wait for a green light to make a U-turn, especially at traffic light intersections on urban main roads. The U-turn maneuver must be performed when the light is green to ensure safety; otherwise, running a red light could result in being caught by traffic cameras and fined by the police. However, exceptions exist in places with dedicated U-turn lanes, such as certain highway exits or roundabouts, where you can make a U-turn even during a red light—but only if the road signs explicitly state 'U-turn permitted.' I always pay attention to this detail when driving, as misreading the traffic signals could lead to chaos or fines. During my novice phase, I often simulated this scenario: patiently waiting for a green light at a red-light intersection before making a smooth turn, while also checking the blind spots for pedestrians or motorcycles. Over time, this became second nature, significantly reducing driving risks.

[LePeter]

In this line of work where you drive for long hours, the rule for making U-turns boils down to being flexible with traffic signals. If a red light is flashing, you must wait for the green light before making a U-turn—don’t rush it, or accidents can happen. Typically, intersections require vehicles to wait for the signal, especially in high-traffic areas, to avoid collision risks. However, if the intersection has special designs, like a dedicated U-turn channel or no interfering signals, you can proceed even on red. I advise drivers to develop the habit of anticipation: slow down, observe signal changes, and then act. One careless illegal U-turn could mean points deducted and fines—not worth it. Safety should always be the fundamental priority in driving.