What to Do If Only U-Turn and Left Turn Are Allowed?
2 Answers
This situation constitutes a traffic violation, categorized as "failing to enter the guiding lane in the required direction of travel." Traffic police may impose a fine of 200 yuan and deduct 2 points. If an intersection only has a U-turn lane but no left-turn lane, it may indicate that the road you intend to turn left onto is a one-way street or prohibited from entry, making a left turn a violation. Situations where vehicles cannot make a U-turn: 1. Presence of a No U-Turn sign: U-turns are strictly prohibited at intersections with this sign, and violators will be fined and penalized if caught. 2. Presence of a No Left Turn sign: Since U-turns generally require the use of the left-turn lane, a "No Left Turn" sign typically implies no U-turns are allowed. However, if the intersection also has a clear "U-Turn Permitted" sign alongside the No Left Turn sign, then U-turns are allowed. 3. The leftmost lane has a straight arrow: Some intersections may not have signs prohibiting U-turns, but if the lane is marked with a straight arrow, it means the lane is for straight-through traffic only, and U-turns are not permitted. 4. Solid yellow center line on the road: According to traffic regulations, U-turns are allowed at locations without No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs or markings. However, you must check whether the center line on the ground in the U-turn lane is dashed. If it's solid, U-turns are not allowed; if it's dashed, U-turns are permitted.
When encountering a situation where only a U-turn or left turn is allowed, I believe it's crucial to assess the road conditions first. There might be signs or dashed lines indicating that only a left turn or U-turn is permitted. In such cases, I would signal left in advance, check the rearview mirror and blind spots to ensure no vehicles or pedestrians are approaching. If traffic is heavy, it's better to wait a few more seconds for a safe gap rather than forcing your way in—safety always comes first. The type of vehicle also matters: driving a sedan is usually fine, but if you're in a van, pay attention to its width and turning radius to avoid scraping. It's good practice to develop habits like regularly checking brakes and turn signals to ensure they work when needed. Overall, stay calm, take your time, and treat it as a small test to hone your driving skills. If you're really unsure, it's better to pull over, check the navigation, or wait for the traffic to clear before proceeding—it can save a lot of trouble. Remember, rules are designed to protect everyone, and following them makes the road safer for all.
