Should the left turn signal be turned on when making a U-turn?
2 Answers
When making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be turned on. The following situations prohibit U-turns: U-turns are prohibited where there are "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. The action of making a U-turn is an extension of a left turn, so if there is a sign prohibiting left turns at an intersection, U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If at an intersection where U-turns are permitted, you must cross the crosswalk before making a U-turn and should not make the turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left turn lane: Even if you are in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign permitting left turns, U-turns are not allowed. U-turns are prohibited within the second left turn lane: When a vehicle is in the second left turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any signs indicating otherwise, U-turns are only permitted from the innermost left turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: U-turns are not allowed at solid yellow lines. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, you must wait for the green light and cross the stop line before making the turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and 12 demerit points. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue to the next exit and do not attempt an illegal U-turn.
I've been driving for over ten years, and of course, you should turn on the left turn signal when making a U-turn—it's a basic rule. When I first learned to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized that a U-turn is essentially a large left turn, so you must signal left in advance to clearly communicate your intentions to vehicles behind you. Don’t wait until you're almost at the intersection to turn on the signal—doing it too late can easily lead to accidents, especially during peak hours with heavy traffic, as the car behind might not react in time. I remember once making a U-turn near a highway entrance without signaling, and a car almost rear-ended me. Since then, I've been extra careful. The rule is clear: failing to signal during a U-turn is illegal and can result in fines and penalty points. Just make it a daily habit—turning on the left signal is simple and safe, ensuring responsibility for both your own and others' driving while reducing accident rates.
