What is the meaning of a U-turn?

[DelFinn]

The meaning of a U-turn is that there is a clear U-turn sign when making a U-turn, allowing the vehicle to turn left or right backward and proceed, making the vehicle move in the opposite direction. When making a U-turn, the left turn signal should be activated in advance, the maximum driving speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour, and it should not hinder other vehicles and pedestrians traveling normally. Conditions under which a U-turn is allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn can be made; if there is a U-turn traffic light, the U-turn must be made according to the traffic light's indication. If there is no traffic light, a U-turn should be made based on the specific situation without obstructing other passing vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibition of U-turns or left turns allow U-turns: If there is no explicit sign prohibiting U-turns at the location, a U-turn can be made. Here, "no explicit prohibition of U-turns" means that as long as there is no "no U-turn sign," "no left turn sign," or the center of the road is not a solid line, a U-turn can be safely made. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are actually no-parking grid lines painted at intersections prone to temporary parking-induced congestion, important unit entrances, and other locations where they are needed. Any vehicle stopping on the no-parking grid line (including waiting for traffic lights) is considered a violation. Although vehicles cannot stop in the yellow grid line area, U-turns are allowed in the yellow grid line area. As long as there is no central road barrier, the yellow grid line is equivalent to "U-turn allowed." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is easy to understand—if there is a U-turn traffic light, you must follow the light; a U-turn can only be made when the light is green. When "no left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs appear simultaneously: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "no U-turn" is not the same as "no left turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the road markings. If it is a solid line, a U-turn is not allowed under any circumstances, and you should continue driving forward to find a suitable place for a U-turn. If there is a "no left turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of prohibiting U-turns, a U-turn cannot be made at this intersection because the actions of a left turn and a U-turn are very similar, and a U-turn must start with a left turn. A U-turn must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, a U-turn cannot be made at this intersection. When making a U-turn, you must yield to vehicles going straight and only proceed with the U-turn without interfering with the normal travel of straight-going vehicles; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accident. Generally, near the intersection stop line, lanes are marked with guiding arrows for vehicles to choose lanes. The leftmost lane is not always marked with a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if there is a straight arrow, even if there are no explicit signs prohibiting U-turns, a U-turn is not allowed.

[Mitch]

A U-turn in driving refers to making a 180-degree turn to head in the opposite direction. Having driven for over 20 years, I remember using it in many scenarios, such as when missing an exit on the highway or finding a shortcut in congested city traffic. Usually, you can only perform a U-turn where there's a U-turn sign or a dedicated lane; otherwise, it's considered a traffic violation. Safety is key: never attempt a U-turn on blind curves or steep slopes, as it's prone to accidents. Always use your turn signal, proceed slowly, and check the rearview mirror to ensure no vehicles are approaching from behind. Be extra cautious in bad weather like rain or snow, as tires can easily skid, increasing the risk. Nowadays, many new roads have traffic lights controlling U-turns, so you must wait for the green light before proceeding. I've tried it a few times myself in suburban areas—it's manageable on wide roads, but in busy urban areas, you need to patiently wait for a gap and avoid rushing. In short, U-turns are a common maneuver, but always follow traffic rules to minimize trouble.