Can You Cross a Single Yellow Line?

[VonLucille]

You must not drive over or cross a single yellow line on the roadside. Crossing any solid line is strictly prohibited. Below is relevant information about single yellow lines: Usage of single yellow lines: Generally, single solid yellow lines are used on roads with four or fewer lanes (two lanes in each direction) and are typically painted in the center of the road. Crossing yellow lines is not allowed under normal circumstances—whether it's a single or double yellow line, as long as it's solid, crossing is strictly prohibited. This includes actions such as overtaking, turning, or making U-turns. Function of single yellow lines: Single solid yellow lines are used to separate opposing traffic flows, distinguishing lanes for different directions and prohibiting vehicles from crossing or driving over the line in either direction. Penalties for crossing a single yellow line: In general, drivers who cross a single yellow line will be fined and receive a 3-point penalty on their license.

[VanPatrick]

After driving for so many years, I've personally witnessed too many accidents involving single yellow lines. Whether you can cross a single yellow line depends on the situation: solid lines must never be crossed—whether for overtaking or making a U-turn—as driving over a solid line will result in at least a 3-point deduction and a 200 yuan fine if caught on camera. If it's a dashed line, you may briefly cross it to overtake, but only if it's safe to do so, with clear visibility and no oncoming traffic. I must remind you that many road sections start with dashed lines but transition into solid lines as you drive, so avoid crossing lines unless absolutely necessary. It's especially dangerous on highways, where single yellow lines often serve as dividers on curves—crossing them can lead to skidding or even rollovers in severe cases. Remember, traffic rules implement single yellow lines to protect the safety of both lanes, so don't risk it just to save a few seconds.

[SebastianDella]

During daily commutes, I pay special attention to road markings and handle single yellow lines with caution. Crossing a solid line is a 100% traffic violation. Last year, a colleague was fined 1,000 yuan and had 6 points deducted for overtaking over a solid line, as it also involved dangerous driving. Crossing a dashed line should only be done during daytime on well-lit road sections—never attempt it at night or in rainy or foggy conditions. In cities, single yellow lines are mostly found on two-way two-lane roads where oncoming traffic is close, increasing the risk of accidents. On expressways, single yellow solid lines often appear near bridges, where crossing could easily lead to a collision with guardrails. I recommend developing this habit: when you spot a yellow line in the rearview mirror, automatically slow down. It’s better to wait through two more traffic lights than to risk lane-cutting. In fact, staying in your lane saves fuel and is safer—why take unnecessary risks?

[DelKeira]

Driving Test Guide mnemonic for single yellow line rules: Solid lines are walls you cannot cross, dashed lines are doors you can temporarily open. In actual driving, I am more cautious, avoiding any yellow lines 99% of the time. Crossing a solid line is an indisputable traffic violation, especially with cameras at every urban intersection. While dashed lines allow overtaking, most road sections prohibit borrowing the opposite lane for passing—forcing your way past large trucks with blocked visibility is life-threatening. Single yellow lines on mountain roads are even riskier, with potential falling rocks or sharp turns at any moment. The only exception is yielding to emergency vehicles like ambulances, but even then, you must stop, observe, and proceed slowly. Remember, yellow lines are high-voltage safety boundaries—steer clear whenever possible.

[Elias]

New drivers are most afraid of dealing with single yellow lines. It's crucial to distinguish solid lines—never cross them, as doing so will be captured by traffic cameras, resulting in a minimum penalty of 3 points and 200 RMB. Penalties are even heavier in tunnels or school zones. Dashed lines may only be crossed when overtaking extremely slow-moving vehicles and only if there are no oncoming vehicles. Always signal for at least 5 seconds before overtaking. Pay special attention to roads where a single yellow line is paired with a solid white line on the inside—this combination strictly prohibits lane changes. Be extra cautious with single yellow lines on rural or county roads, where narrow lanes and sudden appearances of farm vehicles are common. It's advisable to engrave 'never cross yellow lines' into your driving instincts—ease off the accelerator and steady the wheel whenever you see a yellow line.