Is making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane considered a traffic violation?
3 Answers
Making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane is considered a traffic violation. When a vehicle is stopped in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles are only allowed to make U-turns from the innermost left-turn lane. Scenarios where U-turns are prohibited include: U-turns are prohibited where there are "No U-turn" signs or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. A U-turn is an extension of a left turn, so if there is a "No Left Turn" sign at an intersection, U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If U-turns are permitted at an intersection, the vehicle must cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn and must not make the U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even if the vehicle is 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: When a vehicle is stopped in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles are only allowed to make U-turns from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: U-turns are not allowed at solid yellow lines. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, the vehicle must wait for the green light and cross the stop line before making the U-turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and 12 demerit points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue driving to the next exit and leave the highway. Do not attempt an illegal U-turn.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered similar situations several times. Making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane actually depends on specific circumstances to determine whether it's a violation. Generally speaking, if there are traffic signs or road markings clearly permitting U-turns—such as a dedicated U-turn arrow painted on that lane or a green traffic light with a U-turn indicator—then the U-turn is legal. However, if there are no clear markings and you forcibly make a U-turn purely from a left-turn lane, it's easy to violate traffic rules because it may interfere with straight-moving traffic or even cause accidents. I remember once at an intersection, the second lane was only for left turns, but I tried my luck with a U-turn and nearly collided with an oncoming car. Later, the traffic police issued a ticket, citing violation of lane usage regulations. For safety's sake, I recommend confirming whether there are permitting signs before making a U-turn. If you're unsure, it's better not to take the risk—finding the next safe spot to turn around is more reliable, avoiding tickets or accidents. Now that I've driven more, I understand the rules better.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about such rules. I specifically asked my driving instructor whether U-turns are allowed from the second left-turn lane. He said the key is to observe traffic signals and markings: if the lane permits U-turns or has a dedicated green arrow, it's not a violation; but with only a left-turn sign, making a U-turn could be illegal. During actual driving, I once attempted a U-turn from the second left-turn lane at an intersection and got honked at by the car behind me, which scared me into stopping immediately. Later, while studying traffic regulations, I learned this constitutes lane misuse and may result in penalty points or fines. I recommend new drivers avoid making U-turns at complex intersections during the novice stage - choose locations with clear markings or detour in advance. Developing the habit of carefully observing traffic signs helps prevent mistakes.
