Can large vehicles cross the line when turning?
2 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.