Is U-turn Allowed at Red Light?
4 Answers
Whether a U-turn is permitted at a red light depends on the intersection signage. U-turns are only allowed when there is a permissive U-turn sign, and are prohibited when there is no U-turn sign or when a no U-turn sign is present. Violating U-turn regulations may result in penalty points and fines. Below are the circumstances under which U-turns are allowed at red lights: Locations with designated early U-turn lanes: Many roads have dedicated left-turn or U-turn lanes before reaching the intersection. Drivers should activate the left turn signal in advance and make the U-turn without interfering with other vehicles. Presence of U-turn signs or signals: When the U-turn traffic light is green or when there is a permissive U-turn sign on the lane, drivers may execute a U-turn provided it is safe for themselves and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are permitted: At intersections where left turns are allowed and there are no prohibitive U-turn markings, vehicles may make a U-turn. Note that drivers must follow the left-turn signal and avoid disrupting normal traffic flow. Yellow grid areas: Yellow grids are no-stopping zones, but as long as there is no central barrier and the grid has a dotted line in the middle, U-turns are permitted. Dotted lines: Solid lines must not be crossed, but dotted lines can be crossed. Therefore, U-turns are allowed at both white and yellow dotted lines. For double yellow lines (one solid and one dotted), check if your side is dotted—if so, a U-turn is allowed.
When I first got my driver's license, I wondered if it was possible to make a U-turn at a red light. During driving lessons, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must stop and wait at a red light, and making a U-turn is no exception! This is because during a red light, vehicles from the opposite lane may be driving straight or turning at high speed, and attempting a U-turn at this time can easily lead to collisions or more serious accidents. I checked the traffic manual and found that the general rule prohibits any turning maneuvers, including U-turns, at a red light unless there is a specific sign at the intersection explicitly stating that U-turns are allowed on red—but such cases are rare. I recommend that new drivers always keep a map app on their phones to check the rules in real time. After all, apart from fines and penalty points, it can also damage vehicles and harm people. Developing safe driving habits is more important than anything else. Now, I always patiently wait for the green light before making any moves.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered numerous reckless examples of U-turns at red lights. Generally, U-turns at red lights are not permitted by traffic rules, just like the time I was nearly involved in an accident at an intersection when another driver's U-turn interfered with my straight path. In fact, red lights are designed to protect traffic priority, and such major maneuvers as U-turns can disrupt order. Some intersections may allow it with special signals or arrow lights, but always check warning signs carefully. The safest approach is still to wait for the green signal before proceeding, avoiding both penalty points and ensuring safety. Never try to save those few seconds while driving—patience is key to going the distance.
Making a U-turn at a red light is too risky, and I always strongly advise my friends not to attempt it. Traffic regulations clearly prohibit any movement during a red light, and a U-turn is considered an illegal turn, which may result in a 6-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. Worse, it could trigger a chain-reaction rear-end collision. When the signal turns red, other directions have the green light to proceed, and interference can easily cause chaos. Safety comes first; no matter how busy you are, you should wait for the green light to operate smoothly. Developing the habit of observing intersection signals can prevent accidents before they happen.
