What is the maximum speed limit for U-turns and turns of motor vehicles?
2 Answers
When making a U-turn or turning, the maximum speed of a motor vehicle must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. According to Article 46 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": "When a motor vehicle encounters a situation requiring a U-turn, turn, or descending a steep slope, the maximum speed must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. Prohibited U-turn situations are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there are "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. A U-turn is an extension of a left turn, so if there is a sign prohibiting left turns at an intersection, U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are not allowed at crosswalks. If at an intersection where U-turns are permitted, the vehicle must cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn and cannot make the U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even if in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign permitting left turns, U-turns are also not allowed. U-turns are prohibited within the second left-turn lane line: When a vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles can only make U-turns in the innermost left-turn lane.
I often drive long distances, and turning around requires extra caution—going too fast can cause the car to skid sideways and lead to an accident. Once, while making a U-turn on a rainy rural road at just 20 km/h, I felt the car swaying noticeably. Fortunately, I slowed down in time. Generally, it's best to keep speeds between 10 to 30 km/h when navigating curves or making U-turns, adjusting based on road conditions. In crowded urban areas with heavy traffic, going slower—around 15 km/h—is much steadier. Larger vehicles, like SUVs, need even lower speeds for smoother turns. Also, if the road is wet or slippery, reducing speed by a few more km/h is safer. I always remind myself to slow down—safety comes first. Avoiding excessive centrifugal force to prevent losing control is non-negotiable. Once it becomes a habit, driving feels much smoother.
