Is U-Turn Allowed at a Red Light?
2 Answers
Generally, U-turns are not allowed at red lights. Here are the details: Traffic Regulations: According to Article 49 of the 'Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law,' motor vehicles are prohibited from making U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or sections prone to danger. Motor vehicles can make U-turns at locations without no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, but they must not obstruct the passage of other normally moving vehicles or pedestrians. Conditions for Allowing U-turns: At intersections where left turns are permitted, if there is a sign indicating 'U-turn allowed during red or green light,' motor vehicles should follow the sign's instructions to make a U-turn during the red or green light. If there is no such sign, U-turns can be made during either the red or green light, but the U-turn must not obstruct the passage of other normally moving vehicles or pedestrians. In the absence of a no U-turn sign, if the intersection allows left turns, then U-turns are permitted; if left turns are prohibited, then U-turns are not allowed.
Oh, when it comes to making U-turns at red lights, I’ve been driving for over 20 years and this is something you really have to be careful about. When the red light is on, I absolutely refuse to make a U-turn unless there’s a dedicated U-turn sign or signal at the intersection. I remember a couple of years ago at an intersection in the city, I got impatient and tried to make a U-turn at a red light, almost colliding with a car going straight—it scared me so much I broke out in a cold sweat. Since then, I only move when the light turns green or I’m sure it’s allowed. Traffic rules say 'stop at red lights' precisely to prevent accidents. Regulations can vary a lot by location—for example, in Beijing, some roads have special U-turn lanes that permit it. Safety first—for yourself and others, a little extra patience never hurts. Driving isn’t about speed; it’s about a high safety factor. I’d advise new drivers to first learn the local laws thoroughly—don’t risk big losses for small gains.
