Do You Need to Wait for a Traffic Light When Making a U-Turn?
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, and according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," you will be penalized with 6 points deducted 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. 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. Making a U-turn directly under such circumstances may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the 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 should slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass safely. 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) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and allow them to pass safely. 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 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 allow them to pass safely. 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 signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If the intersection does not explicitly prohibit U-turns or left turns, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means there are no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones at intersections prone to congestion. While stopping on them is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow it—only make a U-turn when it is green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs appear together, U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. 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, 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, U-turns are not allowed. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles. If you interfere with their right of way, you will bear full responsibility for any accident. Near the 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 if there are no explicit signs.
Having driven for over a decade, whether to wait for a red light when making a U-turn depends on the situation. At urban intersections with traffic lights, I always check the light color first—only proceeding when it's green, as that's the basic rule. Forcing a U-turn during a red light could easily result in a camera ticket or an accident. I remember last summer when I was rushing to pick up my child and made a U-turn at a crossroad without waiting for the green light—I nearly collided with an oncoming car and was lucky to brake in time. Since then, I've changed my habit: no matter how urgent, I always wait for the light. Some roads have dedicated U-turn lanes or signs, making it even more important to obey the signals. Safety always comes first—don’t rush it.
