How many points are deducted for an illegal U-turn?
3 Answers
Making a U-turn at a no-U-turn intersection results in a 12-point deduction. According to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs or markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections prone to danger. Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs or markings, but must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. Correct U-turn procedures: At a regular intersection without a waiting area, motor vehicles should make a U-turn when the left-turn signal is green. At a regular intersection with a waiting area, motor vehicles should proceed straight into the waiting area when the straight signal is green, and make a U-turn when the left-turn signal turns green. At an intersection with a U-turn gap, motor vehicles may make a U-turn when the traffic light is red, provided it does not affect the normal passage of vehicles from other directions, and must yield to pedestrians. At an intersection with a U-turn gap, motor vehicles should proceed straight into the waiting area when the straight signal is green, and make a U-turn when the left-turn signal turns green. On a road section with a U-turn gap, motor vehicles may make a U-turn if it does not affect the normal passage of oncoming traffic. At an intersection with a dedicated U-turn lane, motor vehicles should use the U-turn lane and make a U-turn when the U-turn signal is green, yielding to pedestrians. Important notes: U-turns are prohibited when the U-turn signal is red, at intersections without left turns, on zebra crossings and pedestrian crossings, and at intersections where the centerline of the road is solid.
I remember last time I made an illegal U-turn where it was prohibited and got caught by an electronic eye, resulting in 3 points deducted and a 200-yuan fine. That was really unlucky! U-turn violations usually occur when making illegal maneuvers in no-U-turn zones, such as crossing solid lines, turning at non-designated intersections or crosswalks, which carries significant risks and can easily cause accidents. When driving, I always pay attention to road signs—yellow prohibition signs or double solid lines on the ground are warnings, and you should never make a U-turn in these areas. Additionally, during urban rush hours or on rainy nights, poor visibility makes mistakes more likely. I recommend developing the habit of planning routes in advance to avoid sudden turns. With only 12 points on a driver's license, losing too many means having to retake the test, which is a hassle. Safety always comes first—nothing is more important than that.
When I was a new driver, I once made a U-turn at an intersection in a hurry, failing to notice the no-U-turn sign, and ended up with a ticket—3 points deducted and a 200-yuan fine. It was a lesson learned. Penalties for illegal U-turns are primarily based on traffic regulations. If you perform a U-turn in prohibited areas, such as at crosswalks or unsignalized intersections, it will be recorded. Deduction standards are mostly consistent nationwide, but fines may vary, with stricter penalties in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. In my early days, I often forgot to check, but now I use navigation apps with voice reminders to avoid mistakes. With only 12 points on your license, accumulating enough to lose them all means mandatory retraining—not just a financial loss but also a waste of time. So always check road signs carefully and don’t rush while driving.
