Is it allowed to reverse when making a U-turn?
2 Answers
At traffic lights, if a U-turn is not successfully completed, you are allowed to reverse and adjust your position, as long as it does not interfere with the movement of other vehicles, and it is not considered a traffic violation. Circumstances under which U-turns are permitted: Presence of U-turn signals or signs: When there is a U-turn signal at an intersection, a U-turn is allowed when the U-turn signal is green. If there is a U-turn sign or a U-turn indication on the lane, a U-turn can be made while ensuring the safety of yourself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition of U-turn signs): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are permitted and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns. It is important to note that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn signal without interfering with the normal movement of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can first enter the waiting area when the straight signal is green and wait until the left-turn signal turns green to make the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: Whether it is a white or yellow dashed line, U-turns are permitted. For double yellow lines with one solid and one dashed, check if your side is the dashed line; if so, a U-turn is allowed safely. If it is a solid line, U-turns are not permitted. If encountering double yellow lines at an intersection, you can make a U-turn from the dashed side, but you must not cross the stop line ahead. U-turns are allowed at yellow grid lines: Parking is prohibited in yellow grid areas, but as long as there is no central barrier, you can make a U-turn here after yielding to normally moving vehicles. U-turns are allowed on the side with dashed lines near green belts: When the area in front of the green belt is a dashed line, vehicles on that side can make a U-turn from there. If the area in front of the green belt is a solid line, vehicles must follow the traffic signal, cross the pedestrian crossing before making a U-turn, and must not cross the solid line or the pedestrian crossing. Precautions for making U-turns: When making a U-turn, you should activate the left turn signal in advance, and the maximum speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. Do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians moving normally.
When I first got my driver's license, I also thought about this issue. Making a U-turn by reversing isn't a violation as long as you ensure safety and don't interfere with others. Once at a narrow intersection, I couldn't complete the U-turn in one go, so I shifted into reverse, backed up half a meter, and then turned the wheel, successfully completing the maneuver. But remember to turn on your reverse lights and look over your shoulder to check behind you. Pay special attention not to reverse in areas with single yellow lines or no U-turn signs—getting penalized for that would be unfair. Some experienced drivers always say it's better to drive an extra mile than reverse three meters, but reasonable reversing can save time—the key is to follow the rules.
