Which Signal to Observe When Making a U-Turn?
3 Answers
When making a U-turn, you must observe the U-turn signal light. If the light is red, making a U-turn will be considered running a red light, which, according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," results in a penalty of 6 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. If there is no U-turn signal light, and the gap is marked with a dashed line, the U-turn is not affected by traffic signals, nor does it require crossing the pedestrian crossing. However, if the gap is marked with a solid line, the U-turn must cross the pedestrian crossing and is subject to the left-turn signal light. Making a U-turn directly may result in being photographed or penalized by on-site traffic police. If you need to cross the pedestrian crossing to make a U-turn, you must yield to pedestrians: When pedestrians are walking on the right side of the crosswalk and have not reached the centerline of the road, vehicles on the left side of the road must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. When pedestrians are waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes and have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. When pedestrians cross the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles in the adjacent lane must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians are waiting at the road centerline without entering the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians cross the road centerline and enter the motorized lane, vehicles that do not stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When the road is divided by a median with greenery, and pedestrians are waiting in the median area, vehicles must slow down and proceed only after ensuring safety. Permissible U-turn scenarios: If an intersection has a U-turn sign, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. If there is no signal light, make the U-turn based on the situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. If an intersection does not explicitly prohibit U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is allowed. "Not explicitly prohibiting U-turns" means there are no "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the road centerline is not solid. U-turns are also permitted in yellow grid zones. Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones, typically at intersections prone to congestion or near important facilities. While stopping in these zones is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. If an intersection has a U-turn signal light, follow it—only proceed when the light is green. If "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs appear together, U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable location. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection, as 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, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with their right of way; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the stop line at intersections, lanes often have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows. If the arrow indicates straight movement, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs.
I've only been driving for a few months, and the most nerve-wracking part of making a U-turn is watching the traffic lights. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that at intersections, just focus on the traffic signals: a green light means it's safe to proceed, but you must ensure there are no signs prohibiting U-turns, like those with red slashes. Also, quickly scan the opposite lane for any cars speeding toward you, especially during dusk when poor lighting makes them easy to miss. A yellow light is a warning to slow down and stop, while red means absolutely no movement. After practicing several times, I realized that besides the lights, I also need to watch out for pedestrians or bicycles—these are risk factors beginners often overlook. Safety first—don't rush; wait for the green light, turn slowly, and double-check blind spots in the rearview mirror. Remember the rules to avoid tickets or accidents.
From the perspective of driving rules, the key to making a U-turn lies in observing the traffic signals at intersections. When the light is green, U-turns are generally permitted, provided there are no restrictive regulations at the intersection; a red or yellow light means you must come to a complete stop. Variations exist between cities—for instance, some areas have designated sections where U-turns on red are legally allowed, but most of the time, a green light is required for safety. Additionally, watch for dedicated U-turn signals or arrow indicators, which can enhance both safety and efficiency. Environmental factors also play a role: on busy roads, quickly assess oncoming traffic and pedestrian movements while waiting for the green light. The rules aren’t complex, but patience and thorough observation significantly reduce collision risks, protecting both yourself and others.
