Is a U-turn allowed when there is a dotted line inside the left-turn red light stop line?
2 Answers
A U-turn is not allowed when there is a dotted line inside the left-turn red light stop line. U-turns must follow the left-turn traffic signal instructions. At some intersections, when the straight-ahead signal is green, left-turning vehicles can enter the left-turn waiting area to wait for the left-turn signal. Similarly for U-turns, vehicles can first enter the waiting area and wait until the left-turn signal turns green before making the turn. Otherwise, it would be considered running a red light. Prohibited U-turn situations: U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If U-turns are permitted at an intersection, vehicles must cross the crosswalk before making the turn and cannot perform 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 inside the second left-turn lane line: When a vehicle is stopped in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, U-turns can only be made from 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, vehicles must wait for the green light and cross the stop line before making the 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 12 demerit points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue to the next exit instead of attempting an illegal U-turn.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have encountered many situations where there are dashed lines in front of a left-turn red light. Generally, dashed lines are a signal allowing vehicles to cross the line for U-turns, especially in designated U-turn areas at intersections. However, when the left-turn signal is red, the rules become more complicated: a red light typically means no left turns, including U-turns, unless there is a separate sign stating "U-turn permitted" or a green arrow indication. In Beijing, I’ve seen several intersections where cars on the dashed U-turn line can still make a U-turn when the left-turn arrow is red, but they must wait for a gap in oncoming straight traffic to ensure safety. New drivers often discuss this topic in WeChat groups, and I advise checking for auxiliary signs near the intersection first, such as explanatory signs on lampposts, to avoid risking a ticket or an accident. Rules vary by city—for example, Shanghai is stricter, absolutely prohibiting U-turns on red, while smaller towns may be more flexible. The key is to assess the actual environment and use personal judgment. Over time, I’ve developed a habit: when encountering similar road conditions, I slow down, observe the traffic lights and pedestrian movements at the intersection, and prefer to wait a minute rather than rush a second.
