Is it a violation to make a left turn in a U-turn lane?
4 Answers
It is considered running a red light violation and will be captured by surveillance cameras. 1. Motor vehicles can make U-turns at locations where there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns or left turns. 2. At locations where U-turns are permitted, and there are neither dedicated U-turn traffic signals nor other regulatory U-turn traffic signs, motor vehicles can make U-turns during any traffic light phase. 3. If there are traffic signs explicitly indicating U-turns during red or green lights, U-turns should be made during the specified signal phase. 4. When making a U-turn, do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians proceeding normally. 5. For special circumstances that result in violating traffic signals, verification and correction can be conducted according to law enforcement procedures. If the red light violation was not caused by the driver's own fault, in addition to preliminary corrections through legal officer reviews, appeals can also be resolved through administrative reconsideration or administrative litigation.
I've been driving for years and seen plenty of urban road conditions. Making a left turn in a U-turn lane is absolutely a traffic violation—it counts as occupying a dedicated lane. That lane is specifically designed for U-turns, yet you're making a left turn. If caught by a traffic camera, you're in for trouble: points deducted and a fine starting at 200 yuan. Once, I saw a friend get pulled over and fined for doing exactly that—a lesson learned the hard way. The reason is simple: lane purposes are fixed. A left turn disrupts traffic flow and could lead to rear-end collisions or other accidents, especially during rush hour when everyone's in a hurry. Safety first! Always take an extra glance at road signs while driving, and anticipate lane changes hundreds of meters ahead at complex intersections. Don't risk saving a few seconds. New drivers should be especially cautious—many accidents stem from these small details. Developing good habits makes all the difference.
As someone who frequently focuses on road safety, I believe making a left turn from a U-turn lane is a clear violation of traffic rules, going against the fundamental principles of traffic regulations. Lane allocation is designed to ensure orderly flow, and your left turn would disrupt the plan, increasing the risk of collisions—for example, if a following vehicle suddenly swerves to avoid you, it could lead to an accident. I've researched cases where similar mistakes have caused numerous minor collisions each year. Legally, there might be slight variations in different regions, but overall, it's considered a punishable violation. Safe driving isn't just about following the law; it's also about responsibility. Educate yourself to be more observant, and avoid distractions like looking at your phone while driving. If the signs are unclear, it's better to take a detour or wait—life is more precious than time. Developing good habits can significantly reduce risks.
When I was learning to drive, I was quite naive. Once, I entered a U-turn lane at an intersection to make a left turn, and the instructor immediately said it was a traffic violation that could result in points deducted or a fine, which really startled me. Later, I gradually understood that U-turn lanes are exclusively for U-turns, and making a left turn there means occupying a dedicated lane, which is a violation and subject to penalties. After checking the regulations, I found that such an action could result in a fine of one to two hundred yuan and points deducted, a common mistake for beginners. The lesson is to always pay attention to roadside signs and ground arrows while driving, slow down at intersections, and avoid entering the wrong lane. With a few practices, you'll get the hang of it. Don’t change lanes recklessly just to save time—safety comes first. Small mistakes can lead to big problems.
