Under What Traffic Signals Can You Make a U-Turn?
2 Answers
Motor vehicles can make a U-turn at locations where there are no prohibitions against U-turns or left turns indicated by signs or markings, provided they do not hinder the normal passage of other vehicles and pedestrians. When making a U-turn, if there is a dedicated U-turn signal light, the vehicle must wait until the dedicated U-turn signal turns green. If there is no U-turn signal but a left-turn arrow signal, the U-turn should be made when the left-turn arrow is green. If only a full-circle signal is present, the U-turn should be made when the full-circle signal is green. 1. Vehicle Traffic Signals: Vehicle traffic signals consist of green, yellow, and red lights. When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding. 2. Lane Signals: Lane signals consist of a green arrow light and a red X-shaped light or red arrow light. When the green arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are permitted to proceed in the indicated direction. When the red X-shaped light or red arrow light is on, vehicles in that lane are prohibited from proceeding. 3. Pedestrian Crossing Signals: Pedestrian crossing signals consist of a green light and a red light. When the green light is on, pedestrians are permitted to cross the pedestrian crossing. When the red light is on, pedestrians are prohibited from entering the pedestrian crossing, but those who have already entered may continue to cross or wait at the centerline of the road.
After driving for so many years, I've found that making a U-turn mainly depends on three types of traffic lights: dedicated U-turn lights, left-turn arrows, and full-circle green lights. If you see a dedicated green arrow for U-turns, feel free to turn around confidently. Without a dedicated U-turn light, watch the left-turn arrow—once it turns green and there's no 'No U-turn' sign posted, go ahead and make your turn. The most unique case is the circular green light: as long as the intersection doesn't prohibit U-turns, you can turn around safely while yielding to through traffic. Just remember, never cross solid yellow lines—for double yellow lines, find a dashed section to make your U-turn. Last week at a downtown intersection, I saw someone get caught on camera crossing a solid line for a U-turn—3 points deducted and a 200-yuan fine, what a loss.
