Should the Left Turn Signal Be Activated When Making a U-Turn?

[McJackson]

Yes, the left turn signal should be activated. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," failure to use the turn signal when making a U-turn will result in a penalty of 1 point and a fine of 100 RMB. Other violations that incur a 1-point penalty include not using lights as required, not yielding properly during encounters, exceeding the specified length, width, or height of cargo on a motor vehicle, and driving without displaying the inspection sticker, insurance sticker, or carrying the vehicle registration and driver's license. The "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," Article 57, stipulates that motor vehicles must use turn signals as follows: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal must be activated in advance. When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated in advance. Turn signals: Must be activated when the vehicle is turning, flashing intermittently to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The timing of activating the turn signal is crucial; it should be turned on approximately 30 to 100 meters before the turn. Permissible U-turn scenarios: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is permitted. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and no solid centerline. Yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones, typically at intersections prone to congestion or near important facilities. While stopping on these lines is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: If a U-turn traffic light is present, follow its signal—only proceed on green. Simultaneous "No Left Turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs: U-turns are permitted even if left turns are prohibited, but "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn: Observe road markings: If the line is solid, a U-turn is prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, even without a "No U-turn" sign, a U-turn is not allowed because the actions are similar. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If in the second left-turn lane, a U-turn is not permitted. Yield to oncoming traffic: Only proceed with a U-turn if it does not interfere with straight-moving vehicles, or you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Lane arrows: The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.