Which Turn Signal to Use When Making a Right U-turn?
3 Answers
When making a right U-turn, the right turn signal should be activated. For a left U-turn, the left turn signal should be used. According to Article 57 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law, motor vehicles must use turn signals as follows: Activate the left turn signal in advance when turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn. Activate the right turn signal in advance when turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside. When approaching sharp curves, hilltops, or other sections with limited visibility that affect safety, or when overtaking or encountering emergencies, motor vehicles should slow down and sound the horn as a warning. Article 58: When driving at night without streetlights, under poor lighting conditions, or in low visibility situations such as fog, rain, snow, dust, or hail, motor vehicles must turn on their headlights, position lights, and tail lights. However, high beams should not be used when following another vehicle closely in the same direction. During foggy conditions, motor vehicles must also turn on their fog lights and hazard warning lights.
When I first started learning to drive, I was quite confused too. I thought making a right turn required signaling right, and once at an intersection, I almost collided with a through vehicle—it really startled me. Later, chatting with my instructor, I learned that a U-turn is exactly that—a U-turn—regardless of whether it appears to veer left or right. Traffic rules mandate using the left turn signal because it indicates your intention to completely turn to the opposite direction. This way, other drivers can anticipate your move in advance, preventing rear-end collisions or side swipes. Now when I drive, I pay extra attention to this: slowing down, signaling left before making a U-turn, and checking all around to ensure a safe passage. Remember, turn signals communicate your intentions to others—they're not to be switched arbitrarily based on direction.
After driving for so many years, I've seen quite a few people make this mistake. A right-hand U-turn? Haha, strictly speaking, it's just a variation of a U-turn, and according to the rules, you only need to signal left. No matter how the intersection is designed, using the left turn signal clearly communicates your intended direction to other drivers, avoiding misunderstandings. For example, at roundabouts or T-intersections, signaling left for a U-turn is standard procedure. I always make it a habit to signal while slowing down to observe, which makes for smoother and more worry-free driving.
