Is it illegal to make a U-turn at a circular red light?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn at a circular red light is illegal. U-turns are not allowed at circular red lights. Traffic regulations state: Motor vehicles may make a U-turn at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, but must not obstruct other normally moving vehicles and pedestrians. Violation explanation: U-turns are prohibited at circular red lights. On road sections without no U-turn signs, U-turns are permitted at green lights, provided they do not obstruct other normally moving vehicles and pedestrians. U-turn rules introduction: Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, but must not obstruct other normally moving vehicles and pedestrians. Article 49 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: Motor vehicles shall not make U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs/markings, or at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other dangerous sections.
Is it illegal to make a U-turn at a red light? This is quite a common issue. I've been driving for several years and often see people making this mistake at intersections. According to traffic rules, a red light is a full stop signal, and making a U-turn is considered passing through the intersection, so it's basically a violation. You might think it's okay to turn when there are no cars, but intersection cameras are always recording, and if caught, you'll get 3 points deducted and a 200 yuan fine. Don't take it lightly, especially in big cities where traffic light systems have smart monitoring, and making a U-turn can easily cause accidents. Once during rush hour, I tried to make a U-turn and got lectured by a cop for a long time—luckily, I didn't get fined. My advice is to wait for the green light or look for a sign that allows U-turns before proceeding safely. It's both lawful and protects you. Driving really requires caution.
