Do You Need to Wait for the Traffic Light When Making a U-Turn?
2 Answers
If it is a traffic light intersection where U-turns are allowed, you can make a U-turn when the light is red, but to ensure safety, it is better to wait for the green light before making the U-turn, provided it does not affect normal traffic flow. Most U-turns include three scenarios: 1. U-turn behavior does not cross the stop line of the lane. In this case, traffic lights generally do not need to be considered. 2. U-turn behavior requires crossing the stop line of the left-turn or U-turn lane. In this case, you must observe the traffic light. 3. Traffic police instructions take precedence over traffic signals, and traffic signals take precedence over road markings. The rules for U-turns at traffic lights are: 1. Intersections with U-turn signs: U-turns are allowed. 2. Intersections without U-turn lights but with left-turn lights: U-turns are allowed. 3. Yellow grid areas: U-turns are allowed. 4. Crosswalk areas: U-turns are prohibited.
I've been driving for seven or eight years and have lost count of the number of U-turns I've made on the road. Of course, you have to pay attention to traffic lights when making a U-turn. You absolutely cannot make a U-turn at a red light—that's no joke. Making a U-turn at a red light is equivalent to running a red light, and if caught by a camera, you'll be fined 200 yuan and receive penalty points. In severe cases, your license could even be revoked. More importantly, it's about safety. Once, I almost got hit by a straight-moving vehicle when I made a U-turn at a red light, which scared me into a cold sweat. Since then, I've learned my lesson—I only make U-turns when the light turns green, and I always check for surrounding vehicles, especially at intersections. Some places have dedicated U-turn signals, but regular traffic lights are usually sufficient. Remember, waiting patiently for the green light not only ensures safety but also avoids trouble. It's normal for new drivers to ask this question—they'll get the hang of it after a few more tries. In short, traffic lights are non-negotiable rules—don't risk it just to save time.
