Under What Circumstances Can You Make a U-Turn at a Red Light?

[McDawson]

Making a U-turn at a red light is only allowed when there is a U-turn sign or a U-turn indication on the road. Generally, when approaching an intersection, the center line changes from a solid line to a dashed line, and vehicles can make a U-turn in this area. It is worth noting that if there is no dashed line on the ground, the vehicle must go around the sidewalk before making a U-turn. Other situations where U-turns are allowed are as follows: Presence of a U-turn traffic light or sign: When there is a U-turn traffic light at an intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn light is green. If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn indication on the lane, a U-turn can be made as long as it ensures the safety of oneself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition of U-turn signs): Vehicles can make a U-turn at intersections where left turns are allowed and there are no signs or markings prohibiting U-turns. It is important to note that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn lane traffic light without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can first enter the left-turn waiting area when the straight traffic light is green and wait until the left-turn light turns green before making the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: U-turns are allowed at both white and yellow dashed lines. If it is a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed, check whether your side is the dashed line. If it is the dashed line, a U-turn can be made safely; if it is the solid line, a U-turn is not allowed. If encountering a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed at an intersection, a U-turn can be made on the dashed side, but you must not cross the stop line ahead.

[Leroy]

I encountered this situation last time when driving in the city center. When the left-turn lane at an intersection has a red light, as long as there are dashed yellow lines on the ground and no 'No U-turn' sign, you can definitely make a U-turn. Just remember not to let your front wheels cross the pedestrian crossing—go around the pedestrian waiting area. However, you need to watch out for oncoming traffic, especially during rush hours when electric scooters dart around unpredictably. Some intersections may have a sign that says 'U-turn permitted on red' during a red light, which makes things much easier. But be careful of camera positions—don’t let the A-pillar block your view. Our veteran fleet driver always says, 'If you’re unsure, just wait for the green light. Losing six points is way worse than waiting an extra two minutes.'

[StReed]

As a road marking engineer, I'll explain the legality of U-turns at red lights from a design specification perspective, which hinges on three key points. First, check for gaps before the stop line—a gap equates to no median barrier. Second, observe overhead and ground-level no-U-turn signs; overhead signs take precedence in case of conflict. Third, assess lane attributes: U-turns are legal in left-turn lanes during red lights but strictly prohibited in straight lanes. Pay special attention to yellow solid-dashed line combinations—U-turns are permitted when the dashed line is on your side. Note that special zones like railway crossings, sharp curves, and steep slopes prohibit U-turns under any circumstances. Modern traffic signals now include dedicated U-turn arrow lights—always follow their guidance.

[Greg]

After five years of ride-hailing, I've mastered the local rules. Before 7 AM on wide roads like Zhongshan Road, U-turns at red lights are rarely caught. But never try it in strictly controlled zones near schools or hospitals. I always keep the latest version of the traffic police app in my car to check electronic surveillance in unfamiliar areas. My advice to everyone: intersections with 'left-turn waiting zones' definitely don't allow U-turns at red lights, and don't take risks at intersections with 'yield to pedestrians' electronic surveillance. Last week, I saw a taxi get caught making a U-turn at a red light in front of the Experimental Primary School—fined and points deducted, totally not worth it.

[ClaireLee]

A freshly licensed driver who just passed the Subject 4 test answers: The driving school textbook clearly states three situations where U-turns are permitted at red lights. First, when there are dashed lines or gaps before the stop line. Second, when there is an opening in the central divider with no prohibition signs. Third, when a dedicated U-turn signal turns red. Special note: When one side of a double yellow line is dashed, only vehicles on the dashed side can make a U-turn. Important things must be said three times: Always yield to pedestrians! Always yield to pedestrians! Always yield to pedestrians! My instructor repeatedly emphasized that you bear full responsibility for any accidents caused by a U-turn. Novices are advised to practice at least 20 times in a closed area before attempting it on actual roads.