Is it allowed to make a U-turn in front of a zebra crossing?
3 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn in front of a zebra crossing depends on the specific situation. The details are as follows: If there is a U-turn sign in front of the zebra crossing and the left side of the vehicle is a dashed line, you can make a U-turn directly without being constrained by traffic signals. If there is a guardrail in the middle of the road, you cannot make a U-turn directly and must cross the zebra crossing before making a U-turn. If there is no U-turn sign in front of the zebra crossing, but the left side of the vehicle is a dashed line, you can make a U-turn directly without crossing the zebra crossing. If there is a guardrail in the middle of the road, making a U-turn on the zebra crossing will affect pedestrians' normal passage, so you must make a U-turn in front of the zebra crossing. If the left side of the vehicle is a double solid line, double solid lines must never be crossed under any circumstances, so you cannot make a U-turn by crossing the double solid line. Additionally, since U-turns are not allowed on the zebra crossing, you must make a U-turn in front of the zebra crossing.
I always remind myself to pay attention to safety rules while driving, and making a U-turn in front of a crosswalk is absolutely unacceptable. Crosswalks are areas where pedestrians have the right of way, and turning around can bring vehicles close to pedestrian paths, limiting visibility and increasing the risk of hitting someone crossing the street, especially at night or in rainy conditions when visibility is poor. I've witnessed many such accidents, ranging from startling pedestrians to causing serious injuries. Urban traffic regulations generally prohibit this maneuver, with violations potentially resulting in fines, points deducted from your license, or even liability. While driving, it's crucial to stay alert—slow down and stop to observe when approaching a crosswalk, and never take risks to save time. Safe driving isn't just a slogan; protecting pedestrians means protecting yourself. In such situations, the best approach is to find a safe spot, like an intersection or designated U-turn area ahead, ensuring no pedestrian zones are disrupted for smoother traffic flow.
From a traffic regulation perspective, I learned during driving lessons that making U-turns in front of zebra crossings is prohibited. Almost all regions have regulations forbidding U-turns within 30 meters of pedestrian crossings, for a simple reason: zebra crossings are exclusive zones for pedestrians, and U-turns can disrupt normal crossing order. If you violate this rule, you may face a fine of 100-200 yuan plus 2 penalty points, and it becomes even more troublesome if an accident occurs. In practice, I always insist on finding an appropriate location for such maneuvers, such as intersections with U-turn signs or open road sections. This approach is not only compliant but also reduces risks. Safety first is the core principle of driving—don't let small actions lead to major disasters. I recommend paying more attention to road signs and developing the habit of anticipating situations to avoid danger zones.
