How many points are deducted for making a U-turn at a red light?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn at a red light is an offense that results in a deduction of 6 points. Some drivers, seeing the long duration of the red light and needing to make a U-turn, decide to do so during the red light, which is very dangerous. Below is relevant information: Relevant regulations: Making a U-turn at a red light violates the Road Traffic Safety Law. According to the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Violations": driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights results in a deduction of 6 points per offense. At signalized intersections: if there is a U-turn marking, it indicates that U-turns are permitted. If the central median has a gap before the stop line, you can make a U-turn directly without crossing the stop line. If there is no gap, you need to wait for the left-turn green light (unless there is a marking indicating that U-turns are allowed when the straight-ahead signal is red), otherwise, you may be caught by traffic cameras.
Recently, many friends have asked about making U-turns at red lights. Having driven for over ten years, I’ve encountered similar situations, and it is indeed illegal. Under China’s traffic rules, making a U-turn at a red light is equivalent to running a red light, which results in an immediate deduction of 6 points from the driver’s license and a fine of approximately 200 yuan. Why is it so strict? The U-turn maneuver itself is dangerous, especially at intersections where other vehicles are still moving during a red light. Turning around could easily lead to a collision with oncoming traffic, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. I remember once being in a hurry and making a U-turn at a red light, nearly hitting an electric bike—it was quite a scare. Later, after researching, I learned that the law requires vehicles to stop when the signal turns red, with no exceptions for U-turns. If you accumulate 12 points, you’ll have to retake the theoretical exam. So, I advise everyone not to rush while driving—wait patiently for the green light and prioritize safety.
