Is it a traffic violation to make a U-turn on a left turn at a red light?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn on a left turn at a red light is not a traffic violation. According to Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law", except at railway crossings, crosswalks, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections of road prone to danger, motor vehicles can make a U-turn at locations where there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns or left turns, provided they do not obstruct the passage of other normally moving vehicles and pedestrians. The following situations do not allow for a U-turn: 1. U-turns are not allowed on crosswalks. Crosswalks are designed to guide pedestrians safely across the road, and pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks. U-turns are not permitted on crosswalks. 2. U-turns are not allowed when there is no left-turn lane. If the leftmost lane at an intersection is not a U-turn lane or a combined U-turn and left-turn lane, but a straight lane, then a U-turn is not allowed. 3. U-turns are not allowed when there are signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns. When the traffic light is green, if the intersection signage indicates that U-turns are not allowed, then U-turns are prohibited. Left turns or U-turns are also not allowed when left turns are prohibited or the left-turn signal is red.
I haven't been driving for many years and have encountered similar confusion. Making a left turn or U-turn at a red light is definitely a traffic violation. I almost did it myself before, but later checked the traffic rules and understood. Under a red light signal, whether going straight, turning left, or making a U-turn, the vehicle is required to come to a complete stop before the stop line, unless it's a specially designated right-turn-on-red lane or there's a sign indicating permission. If you violate the rule, the camera will capture it, resulting in points deduction and a fine, commonly 6 points and a 200 yuan fine. What's even scarier is that rushing into a left turn could easily lead to a collision with oncoming vehicles or pedestrians, harming both others and yourself. I recommend new drivers to frequently check traffic rule apps—better safe than sorry. It saves unnecessary expenses and ensures safety.
