Is it allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection where left turns are prohibited?
2 Answers
U-turns are not allowed at intersections where left turns are prohibited. Here are the detailed explanations: 1. U-turns are not permitted at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs and markings, as well as at railway crossings, crosswalks, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections of road prone to danger. 2. According to Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Drivers of motor vehicles who violate the laws and regulations on road traffic safety regarding road traffic regulations shall be given a warning or fined not less than 20 yuan but not more than 200 yuan. In cases otherwise stipulated by this Law, penalties shall be imposed accordingly.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have encountered this situation many times. Can you make a U-turn at a no-left-turn intersection? Generally, no, because a U-turn is essentially an extension of a left turn, and the prohibition covers it. However, occasionally, intersections have special designs, such as dedicated U-turn signals or safety islands, which may allow it. The key is to look at road signs and markings: if there’s no explicit 'no U-turn' sign, you still need to check the road markings—like a single dashed line—to safely proceed. But the risk of violating traffic rules is high: points deducted, fines imposed, and potential accidents, especially when visibility is poor, increasing the chance of hitting pedestrians or oncoming vehicles. So, the safer approach is to detour or find a permitted U-turn spot—better to spend a little extra time than take the risk. In daily driving, developing a habit of checking local traffic rules in detail can save you a lot of trouble.
