Can large vehicles cross the line when turning?
4 Answers
Large vehicles are not allowed to cross the line when turning or making a U-turn. Below is a partial introduction about vehicle U-turns: 1. Solid lines prohibit U-turns: Whether it's a single yellow line or double yellow lines, as long as it's a solid line, crossing is strictly prohibited. For example, overtaking, turning, or making a U-turn. Under normal driving conditions, you should not cross the line. 2. Precautions for U-turns at dashed lines: Ensure safety when overtaking or making a U-turn. Whether it's a single yellow line or double yellow lines, as long as it's a dashed line, you can overtake or make a U-turn safely. Single yellow lines are generally used on roads with up to four lanes (including bicycle lanes), while double yellow lines are typically used on wider roads.
I've driven large trucks for several years, and crossing the lane line during turns is actually quite common. Large vehicles have a wide turning radius and significant off-tracking, meaning when the front turns, the rear wheels swing inward. If you don't slightly cross the lane line, it's easy to scrape the curb or hit pedestrians in the bike lane—I've seen it happen before, and with such a large vehicle, it's hard to control. However, under traffic rules, this doesn't mean you can cross the line recklessly; you must only do so briefly and under absolutely safe conditions, avoiding rear-end collisions or losing control. When driving normally, slow down during turns, check blind spots frequently with mirrors, and ensure no vehicles or pedestrians are nearby. If an accident occurs due to crossing the line, you could face fines or even liability, so beginners should practice carefully, preferably with a professional driver guiding them for a while. Don’t listen to some experienced drivers who say it’s okay to cross lines carelessly—that can harm both yourself and others.
From a safety perspective, I always remind my friends not to underestimate the risks of large vehicles crossing lane lines during turns. Legally, traffic regulations allow reasonable lane encroachment to avoid hazards, but excessive crossing can be considered illegal lane changing—such as on highways or sharp curves—where police may impose fines of hundreds of yuan. I once experienced this myself: during a turn, I crossed the line too aggressively and nearly collided with an electric scooter, but thankfully braked in time. Since then, I’ve been more cautious about controlling speed—keeping it under 20 km/h before turning. The large vehicle’s wheelbase causes its rear wheels to track much wider, so without adjusting position by crossing lines, pedestrians or small objects near the curb could be endangered. Regular maintenance checks on tire pressure and braking systems also help reduce risks, as unstable turns become more hazardous otherwise. I advise drivers to always double-check their mirrors before turning—cultivating this habit protects everyone.
When encountering a large vehicle turning, crossing the line is sometimes necessary, but it must be done steadily. I often see novice drivers panic and lose control while crossing the line, which is dangerous. It's best to slow down to a safe speed before turning and observe the surroundings—if it's a camera-monitored area, crossing the line might be recorded. The issue of inner wheel difference is unique to large vehicles, where the rear wheels deviate more, so crossing the line can help avoid scratches, but don't go too far and interfere with other lanes. Additionally, extra caution is needed in rain or snow, as the road is slippery, and crossing the line can easily lead to skidding and accidents. For maintenance, regularly check the steering system to ensure flexibility; otherwise, difficulty in turning may lead to unconsciously crossing the line. In short, safety comes first—crossing the line is for smooth driving, not a green light to drive recklessly.
