What is the penalty for making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane?
4 Answers
Making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane results in a 3-point deduction and a fine. Prohibited U-turn situations are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there are 'No U-turn' signs or 'No Left Turn' signs: If there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. The action of making 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 U-turns are permitted at an intersection, you must cross the crosswalk before making a U-turn and cannot make a U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left-turn lane: Even in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign permitting left turns, U-turns are not allowed. U-turns are prohibited within the second left-turn lane: When a vehicle is stopped 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 from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are prohibited at solid yellow lines: U-turns are not allowed at solid yellow lines. Even if there is a sign permitting U-turns, you must wait for the green light and cross the stop line to make a U-turn. U-turns are prohibited on highways: Crossing the central divider to make a U-turn on a highway is illegal and will result in a fine and a 12-point deduction. If you miss an exit on the highway, continue to the next exit and leave the highway. Do not attempt an illegal U-turn.
When I first started driving, I also couldn't figure it out, but later I specifically checked the traffic regulations and found out. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, making a U-turn from the second left-turn lane constitutes driving not in accordance with the guided lane, which is quite dangerous and can easily lead to a collision with oncoming traffic. If caught by traffic police on the spot, they will issue a ticket directly, and the same goes if caught by electronic surveillance—usually a fine of 100 yuan plus 2 demerit points. I heard from a friend recently that he got into trouble because he took a shortcut and made a U-turn from the second left-turn lane and got caught. This kind of penalty is pretty much the same everywhere, mainly to prevent drivers from making random turns that cause congestion or accidents. Everyone, remember to always choose the leftmost lane for U-turns and check the ground directional arrows before turning.
As a driver who frequently takes long trips, I strongly advise against making U-turns from the second left-turn lane. This lane design is primarily intended to distribute traffic flow for multiple left-turning vehicles. Performing a U-turn here requires making a wide turn in the middle of the road, which significantly interferes with through traffic. I've personally witnessed two rear-end collisions caused by sudden U-turns from the second lane. Enforcement is particularly strict now, with high-definition cameras monitoring this violation at many intersections - I see traffic police issuing on-the-spot fines almost every week. If you do get caught making an illegal U-turn, you'll face not only points and fines but potentially higher insurance premiums the following year. It's always better to drive properly - even if it means waiting through an extra light or taking a slightly longer route, it's worth avoiding these unnecessary expenses.
I pass through two intersections with dual left-turn lanes every day on my way to and from work. You really can't make a U-turn from the second left-turn lane—the traffic police have explained that this is a typical violation. If caught, you'll be directly penalized with points and fines, and the process is straightforward: they'll pull you over on the spot, check your documents, and issue a ticket in just a minute or two. My neighbor has been caught doing this three times already. Remember, the purpose of a designated lane is to make vehicles follow the markings—the arrow on the second lane usually indicates a left turn, not a U-turn. Nowadays, many wide-angle cameras have been installed specifically to catch such violations, and I've heard the recognition rate has reached 98%. Even dash cams can't capture the positions of these electronic eyes, making it hard to guard against.
