Should You Yield to Oncoming Traffic After Making a Half Turn?

[Ferreira]

You should yield to oncoming traffic after making a half turn. Here are the situations in which you can make a U-turn: 1. Intersections with U-turn signals: At any intersection with dedicated U-turn signals or road markings, always follow the instructions of the signals and markings, which are usually located in the leftmost lane. 2. Intersections without U-turn signals but with left-turn signals: As long as there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or dedicated U-turn signals, vehicles are not restricted by traffic signals and can make a U-turn at any time, provided it does not interfere with normal traffic flow and is safe to do so. 3. Yellow grid areas: Yellow grid areas indicate no stopping. If there is a red light ahead, vehicles behind should avoid this area. As long as there is no central barrier, vehicles can make a U-turn in this area.

[SanLandon]

When I was halfway through making a U-turn and saw an oncoming straight-going car, I did feel a bit panicked. But with years of driving experience, I knew I had to stop and yield. Even though I had already turned the steering wheel halfway, the traffic rules clearly state that turning vehicles must yield to straight-going ones, and a U-turn is essentially a turning maneuver. Last time I was making a U-turn at an intersection, just as I was halfway through, an electric scooter suddenly appeared in my rearview mirror, speeding straight toward me. I immediately hit the brakes to let it pass—if I hadn't, an accident might have happened. Straight-going vehicles are often faster and have larger blind spots. If your car is blocking half the road, they might not see you in time or be unable to stop. Remember, as long as you haven’t completed the entire U-turn, you should yield to straight-going traffic for safety—don’t gamble with those few seconds.

[AveryRose]

I remember my driving instructor repeatedly emphasized during my license test: U-turning vehicles have no priority! Even if your car has already turned into the opposite lane, you must stop and yield when seeing approaching through traffic. There's a reason behind this rule – through vehicles usually move faster with greater momentum, making emergency braking prone to skidding; while a U-turning vehicle straddling the road essentially becomes a moving obstacle. Last week I witnessed an accident: an SUV making a U-turn failed to yield halfway and got T-boned by a straight-moving ride-hailing car, with traffic police ruling the U-turning driver fully at fault. So now I'm extra cautious about this when driving – I always check mirrors to gauge the distance of approaching traffic before initiating a U-turn. If I've started turning but suddenly see a car speeding toward me, I immediately brake and turn on hazard lights. After all, vehicle repairs are minor compared to safety concerns.

[DiJayden]

As someone who commutes by car every day, I totally understand the dilemma of yielding to through traffic when making a U-turn. Traffic rules are actually clear: U-turns are considered turns and must unconditionally yield to through traffic. Even if you've already turned your steering wheel all the way and are halfway through the turn, as long as your wheels are still moving, you should observe the situation of the through traffic. Here's a little-known fact—many intersections have dashed lines or gaps in the median specifically to prevent conflicts with through traffic. My habit is to reduce speed before making a U-turn and simultaneously turn on the left turn signal to alert vehicles behind me. If you find yourself stopped mid-U-turn by through traffic, avoid jerking the wheel or forcing your way—just stop steadily. After all, the through traffic might be in a hurry to drop kids off at school, and mutual understanding makes things safer.

[Gianna]

Regarding the matter of yielding when making a U-turn, let me give you a warning based on my personal experience: never try to be brave! Last Tuesday, I was making a U-turn at an intersection in the city. Just as I turned 45 degrees, I suddenly saw a bus charging straight towards me. My first instinct was to accelerate and rush through, but I immediately realized the danger and slammed on the brakes. The bus zoomed past my car’s front bumper, and the driver even gave me a thumbs-up. Later, I asked a traffic police friend about it, and he said that a vehicle making a U-turn must always yield to oncoming traffic—completion of the turn doesn’t matter; what matters is who has the right of way. He suggested developing three habits: always check for oncoming traffic within 100 meters before making a U-turn; continuously monitor the rearview mirrors during the turn; and if your vehicle blocks your view, it’s better to wait for another green light.