Can you change lanes when there is a dotted line next to a solid line?
3 Answers
When there is a dotted line next to a solid line, you can change lanes if you are on the side of the dotted line, but you cannot change lanes if you are on the side of the solid line. In other words, if your vehicle is closer to the dotted line, you can change lanes. Below is an extended explanation: 1. According to the "Motor Vehicle Management Regulations," white lines are used to distinguish different lanes in the same direction: 1) Dotted lines indicate that lane changes and merging are allowed. 2) Solid lines indicate that lane changes and merging are not allowed, meaning you cannot switch lanes arbitrarily. 2. Information about yellow lines: 1) They are used to separate lanes in opposite directions and are generally painted in the middle of the road to divide it into two directions. 2) Whether it is a single or double yellow line, if it is solid, crossing is strictly prohibited, such as for overtaking, turning, or making a U-turn. 3) Whether it is a single or double yellow line, if it is dotted, you can overtake or make a U-turn as long as it is safe to do so. 4) Single yellow lines are generally used on roads with four or fewer lanes (including bicycle lanes) in both directions, while double yellow lines are used on wider roads. 5) If there is a double yellow line with one solid and one dotted line, vehicles on the side with the dotted line can temporarily cross it for actions like overtaking or turning.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I often see these dashed and solid lines on the road. Let me put it this way: if the dashed line is on your side, you can change lanes, but only after carefully checking your rearview mirror! Last week, my friend scraped another vehicle because he didn't check for an electric scooter behind him when changing lanes. Remember three golden rules: signal for at least three seconds, ensure a safe distance, and control your speed. Be extra cautious when changing lanes in rainy weather, as reduced tire grip can easily cause skidding. Never cross the solid line into the other lane—doing so not only costs you 3 points and a 200-yuan fine but also makes you fully liable in case of an accident. These lines are actually designed to ease traffic pressure, but safety should always come first.
The driving school instructor particularly emphasized this type of solid and dashed line when teaching about road markings. For example, in a three-lane road, the middle lane often has a solid line on the right and a dashed line on the left, which means only vehicles on the left can change lanes. The key is to look at the position of the dashed line—if there's a dashed line on the left side of your own lane, then you can change to the left lane. But don't assume that dashed lines mean everything is safe. Once, a trainee at our training ground only looked at the dashed line and ignored the blind spot, nearly colliding with a truck that suddenly changed lanes. When changing lanes, you should turn your head to check the blind spot, while turning the steering wheel 15 degrees and moving slowly—too abrupt movements can easily lead to loss of control. Also, pay attention to the arrows on the road surface; the direction of the arrows and the lane function will affect whether lane changes are permitted.
