Is it allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights?
2 Answers
It is allowed to make a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights. Permissible U-turn scenarios are as follows: Presence of U-turn signal lights or signs: When there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn indicator is green. If there is a U-turn sign or a lane marking indicating U-turn permission, a U-turn can be made while ensuring the safety of oneself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition signs): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are permitted and no U-turn prohibition signs or markings are present. Note that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn signal light without disrupting the normal flow of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting zone, you may enter the waiting zone when the straight signal is green and wait until the left-turn signal turns green before making the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Both white and yellow dashed lines permit U-turns. For double yellow lines (one solid, one dashed), check whether your side is dashed. If it is, a U-turn is allowed safely; if solid, U-turns are prohibited. At intersections with double yellow lines, U-turns can be made on the dashed side but must not cross the stop line ahead. U-turns are allowed at yellow grid lines: Yellow grid areas prohibit parking, but as long as there is no central barrier, a U-turn can be made after yielding to normally moving vehicles. U-turns are allowed on the dashed side of a green belt: When the green belt has dashed lines ahead, vehicles on that side can make a U-turn there. If the green belt has solid lines ahead, vehicles must obey the traffic signal, cross the pedestrian crossing before making a U-turn, and must not cross solid lines or the pedestrian crossing.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I believe making U-turns at intersections without traffic lights is perfectly fine, but the key is to be cautious. According to regulations, as long as there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns, you can make one, but you must yield to through traffic and pedestrians. Once, I made a wrong turn and had to make a U-turn at such an intersection, but I failed to notice an oncoming car and almost had a scrape—it scared me to death. Since that lesson, I always stop and observe for dozens of seconds, making sure there are no cars from any direction before moving. Safety first—better to wait three minutes than rush a second. This kind of intersection is manageable with light traffic, but during rush hour when it's crowded, don't force it—wait for a suitable opportunity or take a detour. In short, always stay alert when driving, don’t just take shortcuts for convenience. Otherwise, a traffic ticket is the least of your worries—an accident would be far worse. This is a simple truth I’ve learned through trial and error over the years.
