What is the recommended speed for making a U-turn?
3 Answers
When making a U-turn, the maximum speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour, and you must turn on the left turn signal in advance without obstructing other normally moving vehicles or pedestrians. Permissible situations for making a U-turn: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit no-U-turn or no-left-turn signs: If there is no clear prohibition against U-turns, you can make one. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-turn," "No Left Turn," or solid center lines, allowing you to proceed confidently. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other necessary locations. Parking (including waiting for traffic lights) on these lines is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed as long as there are no central barriers, effectively treating them as "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn light, follow it; proceed only on green. Simultaneous no-left-turn and U-turn-allowed signs: This means U-turns are allowed but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Key considerations when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check road markings—if they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are still prohibited at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to through traffic and only make a U-turn if it does not interfere with their movement. Otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows for vehicle direction. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow—if it shows a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-turn" signs.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed too many U-turn accidents caused by excessive speed. When making a U-turn, you must keep your speed absolutely low—I personally recommend maintaining between 10 to 15 kilometers per hour. This range depends on road conditions: on a wide one-way road with good visibility and no traffic interference, you can try around 15 km/h; but when encountering tight turns, heavy pedestrian traffic, or rainy days, be sure to reduce it below 10 km/h. The reason is simple—higher speed means greater centrifugal force, which can easily cause the vehicle to skid or roll over, and also increases the turning radius. Don't forget to signal your turn 50 meters in advance, check your left and right rearview mirrors, and if necessary, come to a complete stop to confirm safety before proceeding. Safety comes first—don't rush those few seconds, as an accident could lead to lifelong regret.
I drive to work every day and have a habit of slowing down before making a U-turn. A speed of around 10 kilometers per hour is usually ideal, as turning the steering wheel becomes difficult if it's too fast. For instance, at intersections with traffic or pedestrians, I reduce my speed to 8 kilometers to make a smooth turn. Poor speed control can lead to hitting the curb or making passengers carsick, while driving slower also saves fuel, ensuring both safety and comfort. Regular practice in open areas to simulate U-turns helps in mastering the technique. Remember, patience is key.
