Do You Need to Wait for the Left-Turn Traffic Light When Making a U-Turn?
2 Answers
If there is no dedicated U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the left-turn signal light 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 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 the pedestrian crossing, pedestrians must be yielded to: 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 proceed only when it is safe to do so, allowing pedestrians to pass. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. If pedestrians are crossing the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a traffic violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians are already in the motorized lane (Lane A) of the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Vehicles in Lane A that do not stop and yield are committing 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 middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn can be made. 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 obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, a U-turn can be made. "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 in yellow grid zones. Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones, typically at intersections prone to congestion or near important facilities. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, making a U-turn is allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present alongside an "Allowed U-turn" sign, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed 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 permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with the normal flow of traffic; otherwise, you may bear full responsibility 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 if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.
After driving for so many years, my deepest realization is that waiting for the left-turn traffic light when making a U-turn is absolutely a safety bottom line. Unless there is a dedicated U-turn sign or it's allowed to proceed without waiting for the light, I must patiently wait for the green light before moving. I remember last year on Beijing's Third Ring Road, I was in a hurry to make a U-turn and rushed through without waiting for the light, almost colliding with a straight-moving bus. Thinking about it now still gives me chills. Many people think U-turns can be more flexible, but the regulations clearly require compliance at signalized intersections. Otherwise, fines and points are minor issues, but accidents can be life-threatening. Especially in cities with heavy traffic, a slight lapse in attention can cause a chain-rear-end collision. I suggest both new and experienced drivers develop this habit and avoid taking chances. Paying attention to road signs and types of traffic lights is also crucial for safe passage.
