Will I Get Penalized If the Light Turns Red Mid-U-Turn?
2 Answers
It depends on the situation. Running a red light requires three photos: the first showing the front tires crossing the line, the second showing the middle of the car crossing, and the third showing the rear tires crossing. If all three photos are present, you will be penalized. Whether a U-turn is allowed at a red light is determined by the intersection signage. Below are the rules for U-turns at red lights: 1. No U-turns on crosswalks: Even at intersections where U-turns are generally permitted, you cannot make a U-turn on a crosswalk. If the intersection has a left-turn lane, you can make a U-turn along the lane. If there is no left-turn lane marking, you must first cross the crosswalk before making the U-turn. 2. Yellow grid sections: The yellow grid areas on the road are primarily for no-parking reminders. If you are driving in a yellow grid section and there is no central divider, you can make a U-turn in the yellow grid area. 3. No U-turns on solid yellow lines: If the center line is solid, whether it's a single or double yellow line, U-turns are prohibited. If there is one dashed yellow line and one solid yellow line, and the dashed line is closer to your vehicle, a U-turn is allowed. If the solid line is closer to your vehicle, U-turns are prohibited.
After driving for so many years, what I fear most is the traffic light turning red while making a U-turn at an intersection, because the rules are quite strict. If you're already in the process of making a U-turn and the front of your car has crossed the stop line when the light turns red, it generally doesn't count as running a red light, as traffic regulations allow you to complete the maneuver. However, if you just started and the light turns red but you still charge through, that's a clear case of running a red light—this offense deducts 6 points and fines you 200 yuan! I once encountered this at a downtown intersection where the light changed too quickly, and I had to slam on the brakes to avoid it. Later, I learned that many accidents happen this way. So, I remind everyone to always check the traffic signal before making a U-turn, leave enough time, and don’t rush. If you do get caught in this situation, it's better to complete the turn steadily rather than brake abruptly and risk a rear-end collision—safety first! Keep these tips in mind to avoid unfair penalties.
