Will Making a U-Turn at a Crosswalk Always Be Captured by Cameras?
4 Answers
If there are electronic cameras, it will be captured as making a U-turn on a crosswalk is a traffic violation. According to Article 49 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' this offense incurs a penalty of 3 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. The regulation states: Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns at locations with signs or markings prohibiting U-turns or left turns, as well as at railway crossings, pedestrian crossings, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, tunnels, or other hazardous road sections. Definition of yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks: Pedestrians walking on the right side of the crosswalk without reaching the centerline of the road. Vehicles on the left lane should slow down and proceed only when safe to allow pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians waiting outside the boundary line between motorized and non-motorized lanes. If they have not entered the roadway, vehicles should slow down and proceed when safe. If pedestrians cross the boundary line between lanes, vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation and should be penalized. When pedestrians enter the motorized lane via the crosswalk, vehicles in adjacent lanes must slow down and proceed when safe. Failing to stop and yield is a violation. Pedestrians waiting at the centerline without entering the vehicle lane. Vehicles failing to stop and yield are committing a violation. Pedestrians crossing the centerline into the vehicle lane. Failing to stop and yield is a violation. If the road is divided by a green belt, vehicles must slow down and proceed when safe when pedestrians are waiting in the central area. Permissible U-turn scenarios: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, U-turns are allowed. If there is a U-turn signal, follow its indication. Without a signal, U-turns can be made if they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs allow U-turns. 'No explicit prohibition' means no 'No U-turn,' 'No Left Turn,' or solid centerline signs. Yellow grid lines also permit U-turns: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion. While stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed unless a central barrier exists. Intersections with U-turn signals: Follow the signal—green means U-turn is permitted. If 'No Left Turn' and 'U-turn Allowed' signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are not. 'No U-turn' is not the same as 'No Left Turn.' Precautions when making U-turns: Check road markings—solid lines prohibit U-turns under any circumstances. Proceed to find a suitable location. If there's a 'No Left Turn' sign, U-turns are also prohibited, as they involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. The second left-turn lane does not permit U-turns. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn. Failing to do so makes you liable for any accidents. Near intersections, lane arrows guide vehicle movement. The leftmost lane may not always be for left turns.
I've been driving on the road for almost twenty years and have deep feelings about this matter. Making a U-turn at a zebra crossing is definitely illegal. That area is for pedestrians to cross the road, and cars turning around there can easily cause accidents. Not every intersection has cameras; for example, small intersections in the suburbs might not have surveillance, but major roads or intersections with traffic lights in big cities are highly likely to have equipment. Getting caught isn't certain either—it depends on whether the camera is operational at the time or if the resolution is clear enough. I remember a friend who made an illegal U-turn and got recorded, resulting in points deducted and a fine. It's advisable to check if there are any camera indicator lights at intersections while driving. Safety first—don't rush. Finding a proper U-turn zone is more reliable and saves a lot of trouble.
Daily commuting by car has taught me the rhythm of traffic surveillance. U-turns at crosswalks are quite common, but whether cameras will capture them is uncertain. Some intersections near my home have electronic eyes installed, while others may be completely empty. The probability of getting caught depends on luck and location—commercial district intersections are riskier, and areas near schools are stricter. I've taken risks a few times when in a hurry without consequences, but a neighbor got fined once. So now I've learned to plan routes in advance and avoid maneuvers at crosswalks. Driving isn't a game; following the rules protects both yourself and avoids disputes—it becomes much easier once it's a habit.
Making a U-turn at a crosswalk is a traffic violation, and the law requires avoiding interference with pedestrians. Whether cameras can capture it depends on the intersection setup. Some intersections are equipped with surveillance devices, increasing the likelihood of being recorded, while others may not have them or they may not be operational. Being caught on camera isn't guaranteed, but the risk exists. It's advisable to observe signs or signals while driving and choose a safe area for U-turns to reduce the chance of violations. Prioritizing safety ensures peace of mind and reflects good driving etiquette.
