When Can You Make a U-Turn at an Intersection?
2 Answers
Whether you can make a U-turn at an intersection depends on the presence of U-turn signs. Here are the methods to determine if a U-turn is allowed at an intersection: 1. No U-turns at crosswalks: If the current lane is a left-turn lane and not a U-turn lane, U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks. 2. No U-turns if there are clear signs prohibiting left turns or U-turns at the intersection. These areas usually have traffic enforcement cameras. 3. When there is a dashed line between the stop line and the crosswalk at the intersection, U-turns are allowed, but you must ensure it does not affect other vehicles and yield appropriately.
I've been driving for several years, and I feel the key to making U-turns at intersections is observing signs and road conditions. Generally speaking, if there's a dedicated U-turn lane at the intersection, or if there's no sign prohibiting U-turns, you can try when the light turns green. But you must ensure there are no oncoming vehicles, no pedestrians crossing, and you have a clear view. I remember one time at a city intersection when I wanted to make a U-turn, but a large truck blocked my view ahead, so I patiently waited for it to pass. Safety is the most important thing—don't rush it to avoid collisions. A common mistake new drivers make is turning the steering wheel without clearly checking their surroundings, which can block traffic or result in fines. I recommend everyone develop the habit: don't think about it at red lights, and at green lights, check the traffic flow before moving—this can reduce the risk of accidents. Rules may vary in some places, such as school zones or during peak hours when restrictions may apply, so it's better to understand local signs before driving.
