Is it allowed to make a U-turn when the left turn signal is red?
2 Answers
Generally, it is not allowed to make a U-turn when encountering a red light during a left turn, but if there is a dashed line before the stop line, you can make a U-turn at the dashed line. Here is relevant information about making a U-turn at a red light: General situation: When there is no no-U-turn sign at the intersection, the left turn lane allows a U-turn when the signal is green but not when it is red. No-U-turn sign: When there is a no-U-turn sign at the intersection, the left turn lane does not serve as a U-turn lane, and making a U-turn in the left turn lane is not allowed, regardless of the traffic signal at the intersection. Dashed line before the stop line: If there is a dashed line in the left turn lane or a dedicated U-turn lane, you must complete the U-turn within the dashed line or in the U-turn lane, regardless of the traffic signal at the intersection. Solid line before the stop line: If there is a solid line before the stop line, you can only make a U-turn after passing the stop line. If the intersection has a U-turn signal, follow its instructions. If there is no U-turn signal, follow the left turn signal to make a U-turn.
When I was getting my driver's license, I specifically studied this rule. The issue of making a U-turn at a red light depends on the situation. First, check if there's a no U-turn sign or a solid line—if there is, you absolutely cannot make a U-turn. Some intersections have gaps in the central greenery or yellow dashed lines; in such cases, you need to see if it's a dedicated U-turn lane. The key is to observe the traffic light: if the U-turn light is red, of course, you can't proceed. But if it's just a regular circular red light, I've seen many experienced drivers make a U-turn as long as they don't obstruct other vehicles. Remember, the safest way is to wait for the left-turn green light before proceeding, especially in cities with lots of intersection cameras—getting a red-light violation ticket is a huge loss, 6 points and 200 yuan!
