How many points are deducted for making a U-turn without checking the traffic light?
2 Answers
According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," making a U-turn without checking the traffic light results in: 6 points deducted and a fine of 200 yuan. If the gap is a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. If the gap is a solid line, then the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the traffic signal. Making a direct U-turn will be considered running a red light and may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, pedestrians must be given the right of way: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the road's crosswalk who have not reached the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line of the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. When pedestrians cross the boundary line between the motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles that do not stop and yield 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 and yield 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 and yield 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 given the right of way. Vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Conditions under which a U-turn is allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn can be made. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No left turn" signs: If there is no explicit prohibition, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No left turn" signs and no solid centerline. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, etc. Parking on these lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, U-turns are allowed in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. When "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, 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 U-turn location. If there is a "No left turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection, as U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles. Only make a U-turn if it does not interfere with their normal flow; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accident. Near the stop line at intersections, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-turn" signs.
Last time I made a U-turn without checking the traffic light and got pulled over by a traffic cop. They deducted 6 points from my license and fined me 200 yuan. This is quite common—many people think U-turns are no big deal, but it actually counts as running a red light. I was in a hurry that time and almost caused an accident—totally not worth it. Losing 6 points is a moderate penalty; 12 points means your license gets revoked, and retaking the test is a hassle. My advice: stay alert, glance at the signal light before turning, and don’t just focus on the turn. Develop good habits like slowing down early and waiting for the green light—safety first saves trouble.
