How to Interpret Traffic Lights for Left Turns and U-turns?
2 Answers
When the left-turn direction indicator (left-turn red arrow light) is off, vehicles making a left turn (including U-turns) should proceed according to the instructions of the main traffic signal (circular light). This means that when making a left turn or U-turn, there is no need to wait for the 'left-turn green arrow light' to give the command. Once the vehicle enters the guiding lane, it can proceed as long as the 'straight green light' is on. Precautions for U-turns: Vehicles should make U-turns based on the left-turn lane signal light instructions without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can first enter the left-turn waiting area when the straight green light is on and wait until the left-turn green light comes on before making the U-turn. Conditions under which U-turns are allowed: There is a U-turn signal light or sign: When there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn indicator light is green; when there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn indicator on the lane, a U-turn can be made while ensuring the safety of yourself and others. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Whether it's a white dashed line or a yellow dashed line, U-turns are permitted. If it's a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed, check whether your side is the dashed line. If it is, you can make a U-turn while ensuring safety; if it's a solid line, U-turns are not allowed. If you encounter a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed at an intersection, you can make a U-turn on the dashed line side, but you must not cross the stop line ahead. U-turns are allowed at yellow grid lines: Parking is prohibited in yellow grid line areas, but as long as there is no central barrier, you can make a U-turn here after yielding to normally moving vehicles. U-turns are allowed on the dashed side of a green belt: When the front of the green belt is a dashed line, vehicles on that side can make a U-turn from there. When the front of the green belt is a solid line, vehicles must follow the traffic signal instructions, cross the zebra crossing before making a U-turn, and are prohibited from making a U-turn by crossing the solid line or the zebra crossing.
When I'm at an intersection preparing to make a left turn or U-turn, I always watch the traffic lights ahead first. If I see a green left-turn arrow lit up, that's the best time to make a safe turn. But if there's no arrow light, I have to wait until the full green light is on before proceeding. At this time, I pay extra attention to through traffic and pedestrians because they have the right of way. U-turns are more complicated—some intersections prohibit them entirely or only allow them during specific hours, so I always check roadside signage. Once I see a red light, I come to a complete stop and never dare to turn, as running a red light can easily cause accidents. In daily driving, I've developed the habit of slowing down in advance—reducing speed when approaching intersections to confirm all signals are clear, which helps avoid sudden braking and rear-end collision risks. In short, familiarizing yourself with local traffic rules is key; with more observation and practice, it becomes second nature.
