How many points are deducted for an illegal U-turn?
2 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.
