
No U-turn violations will definitely be captured, but not all violating vehicles can be photographed. Only when the license plate image is clear can the information entry personnel input the violating vehicle into the database for processing. A camera usually only captures one lane, with a few capable of capturing two lanes. Digital cameras have a wider shooting range, and most can capture all lanes in the same direction within urban areas. The following situations absolutely do not allow U-turns: 1. Intersections with no U-turn signs; 2. Intersections where left turns are prohibited, U-turns are also not allowed; 3. On zebra crossings, if there is no no U-turn sign or U-turn signal at the intersection, drivers cannot make a U-turn directly on the zebra crossing. They must pass the zebra crossing before making a U-turn.

Having driven for over a decade, I often encounter no U-turn signs in the city. Sometimes, in a hurry, I make a U-turn and don’t always get caught by cameras. It largely depends on surveillance points—major intersections downtown usually have high-definition cameras that instantly flag any violations. However, in suburban areas or small roads, there’s less equipment, and you might get lucky. Another scenario is when mobile speed cameras or manual patrols are present, the chances of getting caught are higher. I recommend paying more attention to road arrows and signs while driving to avoid taking chances. Getting caught once means a 200-yuan fine and penalty points, not to mention the risk of causing a rear-end collision. Developing a habit of following the rules is the most reliable approach—don’t take risks just for convenience.

From a regulatory perspective, making an illegal U-turn is a strictly prohibited violation. In theory, it can be captured by traffic cameras, but coverage may not be comprehensive at every location. Major cities generally have intelligent electronic police systems installed at intersections, with high sensitivity that records almost 100% of violations. In small towns or suburban areas, there may only be fixed cameras or occasional unmanned enforcement, leaving more loopholes. Enforcement also has randomness, with stricter monitoring during peak hours. If you encounter this situation, the first thing is not to panic—typically, you'll receive a ticket notification via text within a few days after the violation. Preventive measures include familiarizing yourself with the locations of electronic surveillance on the route and using navigation apps to check real-time monitoring points. From a safety standpoint, reckless U-turns are prone to causing accidents, and the consequences outweigh the benefits. Obeying traffic signs is the best practice.

When I first got my driver's license, I was most afraid of getting fined for making U-turns in no-U-turn zones. A friend told me the actual enforcement situation is uncertain. Surveillance equipment is unevenly distributed – commercial areas are packed with cameras that make violations hard to escape, while remote locations often only have warning signs without actual monitoring functions. The probability of being caught is about 60-40, and relying on luck won't eliminate the risk of fines. The key is to carefully observe traffic conditions and electronic signs – don't take unnecessary risks. If you get recorded, you'll have to pay the fine and it will affect your insurance rating too.


