Is it Vehicle U-turn or Turnaround?
2 Answers
The correct term is vehicle u-turn. According to the "Great Chinese Dictionary," the explanation of "u-turn" refers to vehicles or vessels turning in the opposite direction. The original clauses mentioned in the Road Traffic Law and the "Urban Road Traffic Signs and Markings Setting Standards" both use the term "u-turn." Permissible u-turn situations: Intersection with a u-turn sign: If there is a clear u-turn sign at the intersection, a u-turn can be made. If there is a u-turn signal light, the u-turn must follow the signal's instructions. In the absence of a signal light, a u-turn can be made based on the specific situation, provided it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersection without explicit prohibition of u-turns or left turns: If there is no explicit prohibition of u-turns at the location, a u-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition of u-turns" means that as long as there are no "no u-turn signs," "no left turn signs," or solid center lines at the intersection, a u-turn can be safely made. Yellow grid lines also permit u-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking, important facility entrances, or other necessary locations. Any vehicle stopping on these grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is considered a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, u-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "u-turn permitted." Intersection with a u-turn signal light: This is straightforward—if there is a u-turn signal light, a u-turn can only be made when the light is green. Simultaneous presence of "no left turn" and "u-turn permitted" signs: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "no u-turn" is not the same as "no left turn." Precautions when making a u-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings—if they are solid lines, u-turns are prohibited under any circumstances, and the driver should continue forward to find a suitable location. If there is a "no left turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of prohibiting u-turns, u-turns are not allowed at that intersection because the actions for left turns and u-turns are similar, and u-turns always involve a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If the vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, u-turns are not permitted at that intersection. When making a u-turn, drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles and only proceed if it does not interfere with their normal movement; otherwise, they will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes usually have guiding arrows for vehicle direction. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow—if a straight arrow is present, even without explicit "no u-turn" signs, u-turns are not allowed. U-turns must not be made on pedestrian crosswalks, as this constitutes a traffic violation.
I'm often asked whether it's '掉头' (diao tou) or '调头' (tiao tou) when referring to a vehicle turning around. In fact, in standard Chinese and driving terminology, '掉头' is the correct term, meaning the vehicle turns in the opposite direction, just like making a U-turn on the road. '调头' might appear due to dialect mispronunciation or typing errors, which can easily cause misunderstandings. In my daily driving, I've seen many beginners use the wrong term, leading to communication confusion and even minor accidents. I recommend all drivers stick to using '掉头,' as it aligns more closely with professional driving manuals and traffic regulations, avoiding ambiguity. Regularly practicing safe U-turn techniques, such as choosing a wide road section, using turn signals, and checking blind spots, can enhance driving efficiency and safety.
