Is It Allowed to Make a U-Turn When the Traffic Light Is Red?

[StLuna]

If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this violation incurs a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by the traffic signal, nor does it require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly without following these rules may result in being photographed by traffic cameras or penalized by on-site traffic police. When making a U-turn that requires crossing a pedestrian crossing, yielding to pedestrians is mandatory: If pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side must slow down and ensure safety before proceeding through the crosswalk. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line separating motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed through the crosswalk only after ensuring safety. If pedestrians have crossed the boundary line separating lanes, vehicles must stop; failing to do so is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians have entered the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles in the adjacent lane must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Failing to yield is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians are waiting at the centerline of the road without entering the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the motorized lane, vehicles must stop; otherwise, it is a violation. If the road is divided by a green belt and pedestrians are waiting in the central area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn only if it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If there are no explicit "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. This means that as long as there are no prohibitive signs or solid centerlines, a U-turn is permitted. U-turns are also allowed in yellow grid zones. These zones are no-stopping areas marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, making a U-turn is allowed unless there is a central barrier. If there is a U-turn signal light at the intersection, follow its instructions—only proceed when the light is green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-Turn Allowed" signs appear together, U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-Turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even if "No U-Turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection, as U-turns inherently involve left turns. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, a U-turn is not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn. Failing to do so may result in full liability for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane is not always for left turns only; if it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-Turn" signs.

[LaKeira]

When I first started learning to drive, I also thought you could make a U-turn at any red light. Then one time I tried it at an intersection and almost collided with a car coming from the side—it was really close. Later, I specifically looked up the rules and realized that generally you can't make U-turns at regular red lights unless there's a green arrow or specific signage allowing it, like some intersections that have signs saying 'U-turn permitted on red.' Now when driving, I've developed the habit: first check the traffic lights and roadside signs, and don't move unless it's confirmed safe—otherwise it's not just dangerous but could also lead to fines. Rules vary slightly by location, with stricter enforcement in urban areas. New drivers should check the latest regulations on traffic authority websites—safety first is the golden rule. This lesson has made me more cautious every time I drive.