Should You Cross the Zebra Crossing When Making a U-Turn?
3 Answers
It depends: If the gap is marked with a solid line, you must cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn and are subject to traffic signal control. If the gap is marked with a dashed line, you do not need to cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn and are not subject to traffic signal control. In this case, you can make a U-turn directly, provided it does not interfere with other normally moving vehicles and ensures your own safety. If you need to cross the zebra crossing to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk without reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left side of the road should slow down and proceed cautiously, ensuring safety before crossing the crosswalk. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed cautiously, ensuring safety before crossing the crosswalk. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. After pedestrians enter motorized lane A via the crosswalk, motorized lane B should slow down and proceed cautiously, ensuring safety before crossing the crosswalk. If motorized lane A fails to stop and yield, it constitutes a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline of the road without entering motorized lanes. Vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. Pedestrians crossing the centerline of the road and entering motorized lanes. Vehicles failing to stop and yield constitute a violation and should be penalized. Roads divided by green belts in the middle. When pedestrians wait in the middle of the road, vehicles must slow down and proceed cautiously, ensuring safety before crossing the crosswalk. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: If there is a U-turn signal, follow the signal's instructions. If there is no signal, make a U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs allow U-turns: If there is no explicit prohibition, U-turns are permitted. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, and other necessary locations. Stopping on these lines (including waiting for traffic signals) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn signals: If there is a U-turn signal, follow it—U-turns are allowed only on green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn permitted" signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making U-turns at intersections: Check road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn spot. If an intersection has a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are prohibited because U-turns inherently involve left turns. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are prohibited at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles before making a U-turn. Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding 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 "No U-turn" signs.
I remember once when I was making a U-turn at an intersection, I thought crossing the pedestrian crossing directly would make the turn quicker. As a result, I was caught by a traffic camera, fined 200 yuan, and nearly hit a pedestrian. It was a profound lesson. Now when I drive, I strictly follow the rules: when making a U-turn, I must never cross the pedestrian crossing; I have to stop before it, wait for pedestrians to completely pass, and then proceed safely. Especially at intersections with traffic lights, I make sure to look for the U-turn sign. If there’s no sign, I still need to be cautious and yield. This isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s about protecting everyone’s lives. I’ve developed the habit of slowing down in advance, observing the movements of pedestrians around me, and avoiding reckless actions. Safe driving isn’t just about skill; it’s a responsibility.
When I first started learning to drive, the instructor repeatedly emphasized avoiding zebra crossings when making U-turns. I used to think it was a hassle, but after practicing, I realized how crucial it is. Crossing a zebra crossing during a U-turn? Absolutely not. Pedestrian crossing areas must always be given the right of way. Every time I approach an intersection, I stop and check for a few seconds to ensure no one is crossing before proceeding. If there’s an elderly person or a child on the zebra crossing, recklessly driving through could have unthinkable consequences. Now, it’s become a habit: whenever I reach a U-turn point, I first check the traffic light. Even if the green light permits a U-turn, but there are pedestrians on the zebra crossing, I still have to wait patiently. This is also a key point in driving school exams—violating it even once could lead to point deductions and affect your safety record. In short, rules aren’t just for show; they start with the details and eventually become second nature.
