Who Yields Between U-turns and Right Turns?
3 Answers
When making a U-turn during a green light, the U-turning vehicle has the right of way, and right-turning vehicles should yield. However, at intersections without traffic lights, U-turning vehicles must yield to right-turning vehicles, as they must not obstruct the normal flow of other vehicles and pedestrians. Vehicles are prohibited from making U-turns at locations with no U-turn or no left-turn signs or markings, or in hazardous road sections. Below are precautions for U-turns: U-turns are allowed when there are no prohibitory signs: Generally, U-turns can be made in the absence of prohibitory signs, provided they do not interfere with normal traffic and safety is ensured. Typically, the central median on regular roads changes from a solid line to a dashed line near intersections. U-turns are permitted on yellow grid lines: U-turns can be made on yellow grid lines without a central barrier. Yellow grid line areas indicate no-parking zones, usually placed at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking or at entrances of important facilities.
This is a common dilemma at intersections. As a seasoned driver with ten years of experience, I can tell you that U-turn vehicles must yield to right-turning vehicles. Think about it: a U-turn requires occupying the entire lane, involves a large maneuver, and takes more time. Right turns are much more flexible—just a quick turn of the wheel and you're through. Especially at intersections with traffic lights, when both directions turn green simultaneously, U-turn vehicles should never rush. I've seen too many accidents where U-turn vehicles collide with right-turning ones, and in the end, insurance always rules the U-turn vehicle at fault. Remembering the right-of-way principle saves trouble and ensures safety comes first.
The driving instructor said that U-turns have the lowest right of way. During my teaching, I repeatedly emphasized that right-turning vehicles only need to pay attention to pedestrians on the right and oncoming traffic, with less restricted visibility. However, U-turning vehicles must observe all directions and move as slowly as a large truck making a turn. On roads with dashed lines indicating U-turn zones, right-turning vehicles can proceed directly. At complex intersections with solid lines requiring traffic lights, U-turning vehicles must wait for all right-turning vehicles to pass. Paying attention to traffic signs is also crucial. If there is a yield sign on the ground or a yield sign ahead, U-turning vehicles must yield to everyone. Don’t drive by rushing; yielding makes traffic flow smoother.
