Do You Need to Wait for the Left Turn Signal to Make a U-Turn?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn in a car does not necessarily require waiting for the left turn signal. Here are the specific situations where U-turns are allowed: 1. If there is a U-turn signal at the intersection, follow the U-turn signal's instructions to make the turn; there is no need to wait for the left turn signal. 2. If there is no U-turn signal but there is a left turn signal at the intersection and yellow dashed-solid lines are painted, generally speaking, as long as there are no signs prohibiting U-turns, separate U-turn indicators, or yellow dashed-solid lines, vehicles are not restricted by the traffic signal. They can make a U-turn at any time as long as it does not affect normal traffic and safety is ensured. 3. If there are yellow dashed-solid lines on the road, vehicles on the side with the dashed line can make a U-turn.
Having driven for several years and encountered various U-turn situations, I can say it's definitely not a one-size-fits-all matter. It mainly depends on the traffic light setup at the intersection: if there's a dedicated U-turn signal, you absolutely must wait for it to turn green before proceeding; if not, U-turns usually rely on the left-turn signal. At downtown intersections, for example, I always check if the left-turn arrow is green before making a U-turn, only proceeding when it's lit. This helps avoid conflicts with through traffic—otherwise, rushing into a turn could result in an accident where I'd be fully at fault. Additionally, some intersections have no U-turn signs or special signals, in which case you must follow basic rules like ensuring there's no oncoming traffic or pedestrians, putting safety first. I recommend paying close attention to road signs and pavement markings while driving, not just relying on instinct. In short, at intersections with left-turn signals, waiting for the light is mandatory—it's not just about rules, but safety.
