Is it allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection?
2 Answers
There are two regulations to determine whether a U-turn is allowed at an intersection: if the intersection has a no U-turn sign or no left turn sign or markings, U-turns are not allowed; if the intersection does not have no U-turn or no left turn signs or markings, U-turns are allowed, but they must not be made at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or any sections where danger is likely to occur. The following situations allow U-turns: Presence of U-turn traffic lights or signs: When there is a U-turn traffic light at the intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn indicator is green; when there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn indicator on the lane, a U-turn can be made while ensuring the safety of oneself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no no U-turn signs are set): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are allowed and no no U-turn signs or markings are set. It should be noted that vehicles must proceed according to the left turn lane traffic light without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left turn waiting area, you can first enter the left turn waiting area when the straight light is green and wait until the left turn light turns green to make the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Whether it is a white dashed line or a yellow dashed line, U-turns are allowed. If it is a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed, check whether your side is the dashed line. If it is the dashed line, a U-turn can be made while ensuring safety; if it is the solid line, U-turns are not allowed.
After years of driving, I've found that whether you can make a U-turn at an intersection can be quite complex, usually depending on the specific location and traffic signs. If there's a 'No U-turn' sign or double solid lines at the intersection, making a U-turn is absolutely not allowed—it's against the rules. When the left-turn light is green and there are no pedestrian obstacles, I can often complete a U-turn smoothly; however, intersections in busy commercial areas with heavy traffic are more dangerous, as limited visibility can easily lead to accidents. Lessons learned: Avoid school zones or narrow intersections during peak hours, and opt for more spacious areas for safety. I recommend that beginners use navigation apps to plan their routes in advance to avoid last-minute, rushed maneuvers. Safety first, to prevent rear-end collisions or scrapes.
