Under what circumstances can you make a U-turn without obeying traffic lights?
2 Answers
There are several situations where you can make a U-turn without obeying traffic lights: 1. The first situation: As long as the U-turn action does not cross the stop line of the lane, this behavior generally does not require consideration of traffic lights. For example, dedicated U-turn lanes, single yellow dashed lines, single-side dashed lines of double yellow lines, or yellow grid markings on the ground can all be legally crossed without passing through the stop line of the left-turn lane. 2. The second situation: The lane markings on the ground are also dashed lines, but the lane signal has a dedicated U-turn traffic light. In this case, the priority principle should be followed to determine the right of way—on-road traffic police commands take precedence over traffic signals, and traffic signals take precedence over ground markings.
I've been driving for twenty years and often make U-turns on suburban roads. Generally, U-turns must follow traffic lights, but there are a few exceptions: when there are no traffic lights at the intersection, such as at some remote crossings or small-town roads where drivers must rely on their own judgment, you can safely perform a U-turn. Additionally, if there is a dedicated U-turn sign at the intersection, like a blue sign with a U-shaped arrow or a designated U-turn lane, you don’t need to watch the traffic lights—just ensure the opposite lane is clear. I’ve encountered this many times on older roads in the suburbs, where such setups are common. Paying attention to these signs while driving can save a lot of hassle. Of course, remember not to make reckless U-turns at pedestrian crossings—safety first, and don’t overlook pedestrian safety for convenience. Always scan your surroundings before making a U-turn to avoid accidents, especially when driving at night.
