What is the maximum speed limit when making a U-turn while driving?
3 Answers
When a motor vehicle is turning or making a U-turn, the maximum speed 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, turning, or descending a steep slope, the maximum driving speed must not exceed 30 kilometers per hour. Scenarios where U-turns are prohibited are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there is a 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' sign: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. A U-turn is essentially 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 U-turns are permitted at an intersection, the vehicle must cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn and cannot perform the U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even if the vehicle is in the leftmost lane, U-turns are not allowed unless there is a sign permitting left turns. U-turns are prohibited from the second left-turn lane: When a vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, U-turns are only permitted from the innermost left-turn lane.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and I remember one time making a U-turn in the suburbs at nearly 40 km/h. The car suddenly tilted sharply and almost slid off the road—luckily, there were no other vehicles nearby. That was a profound lesson. Now, I always brake and slow down to around 20 km/h before making a U-turns, ensuring a steady and safe maneuver. Regulations clearly stipulate that the maximum speed for U-turns on urban roads should not exceed 30 km/h, and it's best to keep it under 25 km/h. Always observe road conditions, check mirrors and blind spots, especially at night when visibility is poor. Reducing speed increases reaction time. Vehicle stability deteriorates at high speeds—turning the steering wheel sharply can easily cause tire slippage and increase the risk of sideswipe accidents. Driving slowly is always the right choice; safety is far more important than saving time.
When I first got my driver's license, my instructor repeatedly reminded me not to exceed the speed limit when making U-turns. Once, I tried doing it at 35 km/h on an empty road, and as soon as I turned the steering wheel, the car wobbled, scaring me into slowing down immediately. Now I understand the rule: the maximum speed for a U-turn is only 30 km/h, and I usually reduce it to around 25 km/h to leave some margin for handling emergencies. New drivers should pay attention—lower speeds provide clearer visibility, helping to avoid pedestrians or electric bikes. I’ve learned from my mistakes during practice, like when I turned too sharply and the tires screeched. Gaining more experience is key, and remembering that speed limits are the baseline for our safety.
