Is U-turn Allowed Depending on Traffic Lights?

[Riley]

Generally speaking, at intersections with traffic lights, if there is no sign prohibiting U-turns on the left-turn lane, U-turns are allowed. Below is some information regarding U-turns and traffic lights: 1. Scenario: At signalized intersections, a U-turn sign indicates that U-turns are permitted. If there is a gap in the central median before the stop line, you can make a U-turn directly; if there is no gap, you need to wait for the left-turn green light (unless there is a sign indicating that U-turns are allowed when the straight-through light is red), otherwise you may be caught by traffic cameras. 2. Regulation: Article 49 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates: Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other sections prone to danger. Motor vehicles may make U-turns at locations without signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, but they must not obstruct the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians.

[DavidMarie]

I've been driving for over a decade, and making U-turns definitely requires watching traffic lights. At regular intersections, it's just like turning left—you must wait for the left-turn green light before making a U-turn. However, some specially designed intersections have dedicated U-turn areas, such as gaps in the median, where you might not need to wait for a signal. But always pay close attention to road markings and signs. If you see double solid yellow lines or a no-U-turn sign, don't turn regardless of the light. Once, I made a U-turn at a red light in the city and almost collided with an e-bike, which gave me a real scare. Also, making U-turns at night requires extra caution—watch for oncoming traffic, as some drivers' high beams can make it impossible to see clearly.

[VanEva]

As a driving school instructor, I must emphasize that U-turns must comply with traffic signal rules. Vehicles making U-turns are generally classified as left-turn maneuvers and should follow left-turn signal indications. If there is a dedicated U-turn signal at the intersection, obey that signal instead. Always check road markings: double yellow dashed lines permit U-turns, while solid lines strictly prohibit them. Additionally, watch for no-U-turn traffic signs - these areas forbid the maneuver regardless of signal status. Making U-turns on red lights is illegal without special permission and frequently causes three-car pileups or pedestrian collisions. I recommend reducing speed below 10km/h during U-turns, keeping turn signals activated throughout, and ensuring 360-degree visibility with no blind spot hazards.

[VanNatalie]

When I first started driving, I wasn't sure whether I needed to pay attention to traffic lights when making a U-turn. Once, I made a U-turn at an intersection without waiting for the green light and got pulled over by a traffic officer who lectured me for quite a while. Now I understand: at most intersections, you need to wait for the left-turn green light to make a U-turn, especially when there's a stop line at the intersection. However, at the end of some T-junctions, you can sometimes make a U-turn without waiting for the light, provided there's no prohibition sign. The key is to check whether the lane divider is dashed or solid—if it's dashed, you can make a U-turn. I've developed a habit now: before making a U-turn, I quickly check the traffic light, glance at the road markings and rearview mirror, and especially at night, I stay alert for electric bikes that might suddenly appear.