Is It Allowed to Make a U-Turn at a Red Light?

[LawsonRose]

If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait; 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, a dashed line at the gap allows U-turns without being affected by traffic signals or crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap has a solid line, making a U-turn requires crossing the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn by crossing the pedestrian crossing, yielding to pedestrians is required: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the road's crosswalk who have not reached the centerline. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when safe. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles in the adjacent lane must slow down and proceed only when safe. Failing to stop and yield is a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the road centerline without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline into the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When the road is divided by a green belt, and pedestrians are waiting in the central stopping area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only when safe. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign, U-turns are permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. Without a signal light, make the U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: U-turns are allowed if there are no prohibitions. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. However, U-turns are allowed in yellow grid zones unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: If present, follow the signal—U-turns are allowed only on green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Precautions when making U-turns at intersections: Check road markings—solid lines prohibit U-turns under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection, as U-turns inherently involve left-turning movements. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles before making a U-turn. Interfering with straight traffic makes you fully liable for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow—some have straight arrows. Even without explicit "No U-turn" signs, U-turns are prohibited in such lanes.