Under what circumstances is a U-turn allowed for vehicles?
3 Answers
Vehicles are allowed to make a U-turn under the following circumstances: when there is a U-turn signal or sign, when left turns are permitted but there is no U-turn prohibition sign, at dashed lines, at yellow grid lines, and on the side of a green belt with dashed lines. U-turn signal or sign: When there is a U-turn signal at an intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn signal 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 while ensuring the safety of oneself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are permitted (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 should be noted that the vehicle must proceed according to the left-turn lane signal without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, the vehicle can first enter the left-turn waiting area when the straight signal is green and then make the U-turn when the left-turn signal turns green. U-turn at dashed lines: U-turns are allowed at both white and yellow dashed lines. For double yellow lines (one solid and one dashed), check if your side is the dashed line; if it is, a U-turn can be made safely. If it is a solid line, a U-turn is not allowed. At intersections with double yellow lines (one solid and one dashed), a U-turn can be made on the dashed line side, but the vehicle must not cross the stop line ahead. U-turn at yellow grid lines: Parking is prohibited in yellow grid line areas, but as long as there is no central barrier, a U-turn can be made after yielding to normally moving vehicles. U-turn on the dashed line side of a green belt: When the front of the green belt is a dashed line, vehicles on that side can make a U-turn from there. When the front of the green belt is a solid line, vehicles must follow the traffic signal, cross the pedestrian crossing, and then make a U-turn. Driving over the solid line or the pedestrian crossing to make a U-turn is prohibited.
I've been driving for over a decade, and U-turns really depend on the location. At urban intersections, when there's a traffic light with a green arrow indicating a U-turn, it's definitely allowed. On roads without U-turn prohibitions, like wide multi-lane streets, just find a gap and turn slowly. But be careful—never make a U-turn on a pedestrian crossing or near a crossroad; safety comes first. I remember one night heading home when I accidentally made a U-turn on a one-way street and almost had an accident—luckily, I braked in time. Now, I always check the rearview mirror first to ensure no oncoming traffic before acting. U-turns save time but carry risks: beginners should practice more, and experienced drivers shouldn't get complacent. Dashcams can also help.
I just got my driver's license, and U-turns were my biggest fear during driving lessons. My instructor taught me that U-turns are allowed at intersections with clear U-turn signals or where there are no prohibition signs in the middle of the road, but never on pedestrian crossings. The first time I practiced at a crossroads, I waited for the green light before making the U-turn, feeling extremely nervous. Now that I drive on my own, I always remind myself to check the safe distance, especially on rainy days when the road is slippery—I have to move slowly. Making a U-turn in a prohibited area can result in a fine. The driving school manual emphasizes following the rules, so I practiced observing signals and signs every time, and gradually became more proficient. There's no need to be overly anxious.
