How many points are deducted for making a U-turn at a straight green light?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn at a straight green light results in a deduction of 6 points. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal rules (a one-time deduction of 6 points) and a fine will be imposed. Prohibited U-turn situations are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there is a 'No U-turn' sign or a 'No Left Turn' sign: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. The action of making a U-turn is an extension of a left turn, so if there is a sign prohibiting left turns at an intersection, U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If U-turns are permitted at an intersection, you must cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn and cannot make the U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign allowing left turns, U-turns are not permitted. U-turns are prohibited within the second left-turn lane: When a vehicle is stopped in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles can only make U-turns in the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: U-turns are not allowed at solid yellow lines. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, you must wait for the green light to turn on and cross the stop line before making the U-turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and a deduction of 12 points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue to the next exit to leave the highway and do not attempt an illegal U-turn.
Having driven for over a decade, I feel that making a U-turn at a straight green light is a common misconception, but it's actually a traffic violation. According to regulations, if the traffic signal is just a green circular light without a U-turn arrow, and there's no sign permitting U-turns at the intersection, making a direct U-turn counts as running a red light. In most cities, this usually results in a 3-point deduction and possibly a 200-yuan fine. It's no trivial matter—I made this mistake at an intersection when I was younger and got caught by a camera, receiving a ticket afterward. Why? Traffic signals are designed for safety, and U-turns can easily block oncoming straight-moving vehicles, creating accident risks. I recommend drivers check signs or road markings carefully before turning. If U-turns aren't explicitly permitted, it's safer to go straight. Developing good habits helps avoid point deductions and protects both yourself and others.
