Do you need to watch traffic lights when making a U-turn?
3 Answers
If the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by traffic signals and does not require crossing the crosswalk. You can make a U-turn directly as long as it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. If the gap is marked with a solid line, then the U-turn must cross the crosswalk and is subject to traffic signals. If you need to cross the crosswalk to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk have not reached the centerline of the road. Vehicles driving on the left side of the road should slow down and allow them to pass the crosswalk safely. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and allow them to pass the crosswalk safely. When pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering the motorized lane. Vehicles that do not stop are committing a violation and should be penalized. When the road is divided by a green belt, pedestrians waiting in the middle of the road must be yielded to by vehicles, which should slow down and pass the crosswalk safely. Conditions under which a U-turn is allowed: If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make a U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. "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 due to temporary stops. While stopping on yellow grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is prohibited, making a U-turn is allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn traffic light at the intersection, follow its instructions—only make a U-turn when the light is green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs appear together, U-turns are permitted 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: Observe 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, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed because 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, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to through traffic when making a U-turn. If you interfere with through traffic, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane is not always a left-turn lane—some may have straight arrows. Even if there is no explicit prohibition, exercise caution.
When making a U-turn, I always pay close attention to traffic lights and make sure the signal is displaying green before proceeding, as traffic rules clearly state that U-turns at signal-controlled intersections must obey the traffic light instructions—otherwise, accidents can easily occur. I remember one time at a crossroads when I attempted a U-turn without waiting for the light to change and nearly collided with an oncoming vehicle—it was quite a scare. This habit has kept me safe for many years. Nowadays, with heavy traffic on the roads, making a blind U-turn without following signals not only risks fines and penalty points but also endangers both my own and others' lives. I recommend everyone develop good habits by always checking the traffic light changes before turning, especially at signalized intersections.
As a driver, I insist on checking traffic lights when making a U-turn, which is a fundamental requirement of driving regulations. In China, at most intersections with clear signals, a U-turn must wait until the green light is on; if the intersection is roundabout-shaped or lacks a dedicated U-turn light, priority should be given to other vehicles. From my personal experience, the dense traffic lights in cities mean that ignoring them and making a direct U-turn can lead to chaos and penalties. Safety first—I always slow down in advance to observe the signal changes, ensure everything is clear, and then make a smooth turn to avoid sudden maneuvers that could cause risks. Developing this habit not only protects myself but also contributes to orderly traffic.
