Is it mandatory to use the leftmost lane for a U-turn in two left-turn lanes?
2 Answers
When making a U-turn in two left-turn lanes, it is not mandatory to use the leftmost lane, as long as it does not affect the normal movement of vehicles in the relevant lanes. Scenarios where U-turns are prohibited are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there is a 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' sign: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Since a U-turn is an extension of a left turn, intersections with 'No Left Turn' signs also prohibit U-turns. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If a U-turn is permitted at an intersection, it must be executed after crossing the crosswalk, not on top of it. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even in the leftmost lane, U-turns are not allowed if there is no sign permitting left turns. U-turns are prohibited within the second left-turn lane: Vehicles cannot make U-turns when stopped in the second left-turn lane. In the absence of any directional signs, U-turns are only permitted in the innermost left-turn lane.
I've been driving a taxi for ten years and have seen many such situations. When making a U-turn from two left-turn lanes, according to regulations, you should indeed use the leftmost lane. As clearly stated in the traffic laws, a U-turn is a special form of a left turn and must be performed in the leftmost lane. However, in actual driving, I've noticed that some intersections have U-turn arrows painted on the second lane, allowing U-turns in such special cases. The safest approach is to check the road markings and signs a few hundred meters in advance, especially for beginners—don’t risk taking the wrong lane, as getting caught on camera could mean 3 points and a 200-yuan fine. I remember last year in the city center, I saw a car forcibly making a U-turn from the right left-turn lane and nearly colliding with an oncoming electric bike.
