Is U-turn allowed at a red light?
2 Answers
If the U-turn signal light is red, you must wait to make a U-turn; otherwise, it will be considered running a red light. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," this offense carries a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, a dashed line at the gap means the U-turn is not affected by traffic signals and does not require crossing the pedestrian crossing. If the gap has a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a direct U-turn may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When crossing the pedestrian crossing for a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk without reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side must slow down and ensure safety before proceeding. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the road, vehicles should slow down and proceed safely. If pedestrians cross the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop are committing an offense and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed safely. Failing to stop is an offense. Pedestrians waiting at the road centerline without entering the motorized lane. Vehicles failing to stop are committing an offense. Pedestrians crossing the centerline into the motorized lane. Failing to yield is an offense. If the road center is divided by greenery, vehicles must slow down and yield to pedestrians waiting in the median area. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign, U-turns are permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. Without a signal light, U-turns can be made if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: U-turns are allowed if there are no prohibitive signs, solid centerlines, etc. Yellow grid lines: While stopping on yellow grid lines is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: Follow the signal—green means U-turn is allowed. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. Note: "No U-turn" does not mean "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn: Check road markings—solid lines mean no U-turn under any circumstances; proceed to a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited, as they involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane; U-turns from the second left-turn lane are not allowed. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn to avoid accidents. Lane arrows near intersections may indicate straight-only lanes, which prohibit U-turns even without explicit signs.
In my years of driving experience, U-turns are generally not allowed at red lights because a red light is a signal to stop, meaning all traffic must come to a halt, including turns or U-turns. Traffic rules are clear: when the red light is on, you must stop behind the white line and wait for the green light, unless there is a special U-turn sign or a dedicated U-turn signal at the intersection. For example, some intersections in Beijing have U-turn signals that allow movement even during a red light, but without these, you must wait patiently. I've seen many novice drivers make forced U-turns in a hurry, only to be caught for violations, resulting in points deducted and fines starting from 200 yuan, and possibly even causing accidents. If you're unsure, don't take the risk—always check the intersection signs or rely on navigation prompts first. Safety should always come first. Developing the habit of making U-turns only at green lights is the safest approach, especially during peak hours, to avoid competing with oncoming traffic. This way, driving becomes much more worry-free.
