Under What Traffic Signals Can You Make a U-Turn?

[BriannaRose]

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.

[OAlex]

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.

[TuckerDella]

As an experienced driver, the key to making a U-turn is to pay attention to the traffic light colors and road markings. The green light principle applies in three situations: when a dedicated U-turn green light is on, when a left-turn green light is on, or when a regular circular green light is on without any prohibition signs. Note that sometimes there are gaps in the median strip in left-turn lanes, where you don't need to wait for a green light—just watch for pedestrians before making the U-turn. Conversely, you must stop at a red light unless there's a special sign indicating that U-turns are allowed on red. The most common mistake is making a U-turn over solid lines—never cross white solid lines or double yellow lines, as getting caught on camera will definitely result in a ticket. Once, I was drowsy while driving early in the morning and almost hit the central guardrail. Now, I'm extra cautious about road conditions when making U-turns.

[ORowan]

Daily commuting tip: A signal allowing U-turns means the light is green. The easiest to recognize is a dedicated U-turn green light. You can also make a U-turn when the left-turn signal is green, but make sure there's no 'No U-turn' marking at the intersection. At regular traffic light intersections, pay attention to solid/dashed road markings – you must make a U-turn where the double yellow lines are dashed. Special reminder for beginners: U-turns are strictly prohibited in right-turn lanes. Once saw a female driver sharply turning the wheel in a right-turn lane, nearly scraping a bus. Don't rush U-turns at night – first check if opposing lanes have blinding high beams. Policies vary by location – in Hangzhou some intersections allow U-turns on red, but Shanghai strictly enforces against it.