Can you change lanes over white dashed lines?
2 Answers
White dashed lines allow lane changes. Below is an introduction to line-related regulations: 1. Solid lines: Whether single yellow or double yellow lines, as long as they are solid lines, crossing is strictly prohibited, such as for overtaking, turning, or U-turns. Under normal driving conditions, you should not cross these lines. 2. Dashed lines: Whether single yellow or double yellow lines, as long as they are dashed, you can overtake or make a U-turn when it is safe to do so. Single yellow lines are generally used on roads with up to four lanes (including bicycle lanes) in both directions, while double yellow lines are typically used on wider roads. At intersections, U-turns can be made over solid lines when the traffic light is red, or when the left-turn signal is green. If there is no dedicated U-turn signal and no prohibition sign, U-turns are allowed at the intersection. Unlike left-turning vehicles, U-turning vehicles can proceed during a red light, provided they do not interfere with the normal flow of other vehicles.
I have been driving a private car for more than ten years and have seen countless dashed lines on the road. White dashed lines indeed allow lane changes, and I often encounter this situation on highways or urban roads. Every time I change lanes, I signal in advance, carefully check the rearview mirror and blind spots, and confirm there are no vehicles behind before merging. If there is a solid line next to me, changing lanes is absolutely not allowed—it concerns everyone's driving safety. I have also encountered novice drivers misjudging situations and making sudden lane changes, leading to minor accidents, so safety comes first. In poor weather conditions, such as rainy days with reduced visibility, it's even more important to slow down and observe for a few extra seconds.
