Which Signal Light to Observe When Making a U-turn?
2 Answers
When making a U-turn, you must observe the U-turn signal light. If the light is red, executing a U-turn will be considered running a red light, which, according to the Road Traffic Safety Law, results in: 6 penalty points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no dedicated U-turn signal light, a dashed line at the gap allows U-turns without being affected by traffic signals or crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap has a solid line, you must cross the pedestrian crossing and follow the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly under such circumstances may lead to being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. When crossing the pedestrian crossing for a U-turn, yielding to pedestrians is required: If pedestrians are on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side must slow down and allow them to pass safely. If pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary of the motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only when safe. If pedestrians cross the boundary between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. If pedestrians enter the motorized lane from the crosswalk, vehicles must slow down and proceed safely. Failing to yield is a violation and subject to penalties. If pedestrians wait at the centerline without entering the motorized lane, vehicles failing to stop are violating the law. If pedestrians cross the centerline into the motorized lane, vehicles failing to yield are committing an offense. In areas where the road is divided by greenery, if pedestrians wait in the median, vehicles must slow down and proceed safely. Permissible U-turn scenarios: If an intersection has a U-turn sign, U-turns are allowed. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. Without a signal light, execute the U-turn cautiously without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. If an intersection lacks explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, U-turns are permitted. This means if there are no prohibitive signs or solid centerlines, U-turns are generally allowed. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: These lines, marking no-stopping zones (e.g., intersections prone to congestion), prohibit parking but allow U-turns unless a central barrier exists. If a U-turn signal light is present, follow its indication—only proceed on green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs coexist, U-turns are allowed, but left turns are not. Note: "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Key considerations when making a U-turn: Check road markings—solid lines prohibit U-turns under any circumstances; proceed forward to find a suitable spot. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, U-turns are implicitly prohibited, as they require a left-turn motion. U-turns must occur from the innermost left-turn lane; attempting from the second left-turn lane is not allowed. Always yield to through traffic; failure to do so makes you fully liable for any accidents. Lane arrows near stop lines guide lane usage. If the leftmost lane has a straight arrow instead of a left-turn arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit signs.
When making a U-turn, after driving for so many years, I mainly check if the intersection has a dedicated U-turn signal light. If not, I focus on whether the left-turn signal is lit. U-turns are similar to left turns, and you must follow the rules. I remember driving on Beijing Road, where many drivers would turn without checking the signal, ending up stuck in the middle and causing long traffic jams—not to mention how dangerous it is. Especially at large intersections, where signals change quickly, don’t wait until the yellow light to act, or you might risk getting rear-ended. I’ve developed the habit of scanning my surroundings before driving—not just checking the signal but also ensuring there are no pedestrians or vehicles in blind spots before turning. Be extra cautious on rainy days when signals are less visible, and don’t overestimate your ability to rush through. New drivers might overlook this, so I suggest practicing a few times to remember. The core of safe driving is prioritizing rules—even though a U-turn seems simple, small mistakes can escalate into big problems if you’re not careful.
