Is a U-turn allowed when the traffic light is red?
2 Answers
If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this offense carries a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly without following these rules may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing the pedestrian crossing, you must yield to pedestrians: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side of the road must slow down and ensure safety before proceeding through the crosswalk. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed through the crosswalk only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians have crossed the boundary line between lanes, vehicles must stop and yield; failing to do so is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians have entered the motorized lane (Lane A) via the crosswalk, vehicles in Lane B must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles in Lane A must stop and yield; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop and yield; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians have crossed the centerline and entered the motorized lane, vehicles must stop and yield; otherwise, it is a violation and subject to penalties. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and proceed through the crosswalk only after ensuring safety. Cases where U-turns are allowed: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No left turn" signs and the absence of solid centerlines. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines. Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking. While stopping on these lines is prohibited, U-turns are permitted unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions—only proceed on green. If "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs appear together, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. 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 the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No left turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited, even if "No U-turn" is not explicitly stated, as U-turns inherently involve left turns. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not allowed from the second left-turn lane. Always yield to oncoming vehicles before making a U-turn. Failure to do so may result in full liability for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have directional 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 when accompanying a friend for driving practice, I specifically researched this matter. Making a U-turn at a red light mainly depends on three things: road markings, intersection signs, and the type of traffic signal. If it's a full circular red light with dashed lines or gaps on the road surface, and no prohibitory U-turn signs before or after, then a U-turn is permitted—but you must ensure it doesn't affect straight-moving traffic. The most typical scenario is an intersection with yellow dashed line dividers or specially designed U-turn gaps in the greenery. However, at many intersections with left-turn arrow signals, you must wait for the green light before proceeding; otherwise, it counts as running a red light. It's advisable for beginners to observe how local experienced drivers operate for a few days before attempting it themselves.
