Can you change lanes when there is one solid line and one dashed line?
3 Answers
When encountering a section of road with one solid line and one dashed line, the side with the solid line does not allow crossing the line or overtaking, while the dashed line allows lane changing and overtaking. The main purpose of this marking is to facilitate vehicle diversion, alleviate traffic congestion as much as possible, and avoid large-scale accidents. Here is additional information: 1. Penalties for driving over solid lines: If a vehicle crosses a solid line at a traffic light intersection, the driver's license will be penalized with a deduction of 3 points and a fine of 200 yuan. Drivers must be cautious when driving on the road, as all solid lines are prohibited from being crossed, especially at traffic light intersections where crossing solid lines due to lane changes is highly likely and must be avoided. 2. Evidence collection for crossing solid lines: This is mainly done through camera captures or drone footage. Once a solid line lane change is detected, there is no room for rebuttal or appeal, and the penalty must be accepted. Changing lanes over solid lines can easily cause traffic accidents. Drivers must adhere to relevant traffic rules while driving on the road to collectively create a good driving environment.
I've been driving long-distance for over a decade and am very familiar with lane markings. For the combination of one solid line and one dashed line, the key is which side your lane is on: if the dashed line is on your side, you can change lanes when it's safe, such as for overtaking or avoiding obstacles; but if the solid line is on your side, you absolutely must not change lanes—that's a traffic violation and can easily lead to rear-end collisions or accidents. This is especially dangerous on highways. Before changing lanes, always check your mirrors, use your turn signal, and make sure there are no vehicles in your blind spot. Novice drivers often misjudge this, so I recommend practicing lane marking recognition more and not rushing to switch lanes. In real driving situations, similar scenarios can be harder to see in rain or fog. In such conditions, slowing down and driving steadily is safer—avoid major risks for minor gains. Road safety should always come first.
I'm a new driver who just got my license six months ago, and this was a question repeatedly covered in the driving test. Simply put, the lane markings—solid on one side, dashed on the other: when the dashed line is on your side, you can change lanes, but only if it's safe; when the solid line is on your side, stay put, or you risk a violation. I made a similar mistake once—almost scraped a car on my way home from work—a lesson learned the hard way. Mastering lane-changing techniques is crucial; always check your mirrors and surrounding traffic, and never skip the turn signal. On city roads, these markings are common near intersections—extra caution is needed during heavy traffic. If unsure, wait for the next opportunity. Joining driving groups can teach you a lot of practical tips, by the way.
