Is a U-turn considered driving in the wrong direction?
3 Answers
Small vehicles making a U-turn without crossing the pedestrian crosswalk are not considered driving in the wrong direction. Criteria for determining wrong-way driving: On roads with solid dividing lines, if a motor vehicle enters the opposite lane, it is considered wrong-way driving. This includes double solid lines and single solid lines, which must not be crossed under any circumstances. On roads with dashed dividing lines, overtaking is allowed when safe, but if an accident occurs, the overtaking vehicle will be deemed to have been driving in the wrong direction. On roads marked as one-way, any motor vehicle entering is considered to be driving in the wrong direction. Penalties for wrong-way driving: Driving in the wrong direction in urban areas results in a three-point deduction and a fine. Driving in the wrong direction on a highway results in a 12-point deduction. Overtaking on roads with dashed dividing lines, when done safely, will not result in point deductions.
I've been driving for over a decade, often taking long trips on national highways, and making U-turns is definitely not considered driving against traffic. Driving against traffic usually refers to dangerous behaviors like reversing or driving in the wrong direction, which is strictly prohibited on highways or one-way streets and can easily be caught by cameras, resulting in fines and penalty points. A U-turn, on the other hand, is when you turn around at an intersection or where signs permit, changing from eastbound to westbound—a completely normal maneuver as long as you pay attention to road signs and traffic signals. However, it's important to note that forcing a U-turn in a no-U-turn zone may be treated as illegal lane occupation or incorrect turning, but it's not the same as driving against traffic—it might just result in a fine without license suspension. Always prioritize safety, especially at night or in rainy conditions, and ensure there are no oncoming vehicles before making a U-turn.
When I was learning to drive, I had just passed the third subject test and was still unclear about the driving rules. The instructor emphasized that making a U-turn and driving in reverse are completely different things. Driving in reverse means the car moves backward, like when maneuvering in a parking lot, and it's easy to hit people or other vehicles if you don't check the rearview mirror. A U-turn, on the other hand, involves making a U-shaped curve in the forward direction, changing direction without moving backward. Beginners often confuse these two concepts, perhaps because both involve the idea of going in the opposite direction, but in practice, they are entirely different—making a U-turn is safe as long as speed is controlled and visibility is clear, while driving in reverse is usually a risky maneuver. Practice the U-turn maneuver a few more times while learning to drive, and try it a couple of times on open roads to understand it better. Just avoid attempting it in blind spots or narrow roads to prevent accidents.
