Can you cross the yellow dashed line?
2 Answers
Yellow dashed lines can be crossed. According to traffic rules, a single yellow dashed line allows overtaking or making a U-turn when it is safe to do so; therefore, it is permissible to drive over the line under safe conditions. 2. Article 45 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that motor vehicles shall not exceed the speed indicated by speed limit signs or markings on the road. On roads without speed limit signs or markings, motor vehicles shall not exceed the following maximum speeds: on roads with only one motor vehicle lane in the same direction, the maximum speed in urban areas is 50 kilometers per hour. According to this regulation, if there is no speed limit sign here, the maximum speed is 50 kilometers per hour. 3. Generally, road markings are mostly white. White dashed lines separate lanes traveling in the same direction and allow lane changes or crossing the line, while solid white lines prohibit crossing and often appear as extensions of dashed lines before intersections or to separate roadside parking areas. 4. Yellow solid lines are used to separate lanes traveling in opposite directions, usually painted in the middle of the road. Roads with multiple lanes have double yellow lines, while roads with fewer lanes use single yellow lines. Regardless of whether it is a single or double yellow line, vehicles are strictly prohibited from crossing, so driving over the line, overtaking, or making a U-turn is not allowed.
As an ordinary driver who's often on the road, I think it's acceptable to cross yellow dashed lines, but extra caution is needed. For example, when driving in the city during light traffic, temporarily crossing the line for overtaking or turning is usually fine. Once on a rural road when I was in a hurry, I crossed the line to pass a slow-moving vehicle but nearly collided with an oncoming truck—it scared me so much that I now always check the rearview mirror to ensure it's clear before acting. Actually, yellow dashed lines mean you can cross them conditionally, mainly allowing you to traverse the division under certain circumstances, unlike solid lines which are strictly prohibited. However, be cautious at intersections or signal-controlled areas where crossing might lead to accidents or fines. Overall, driving habits are key: maintain steady speed and stay observant. Don’t recklessly cross lines just to save time, especially at night or in rainy conditions with poor visibility—it’s accident-prone. Safety first—this should never be taken lightly.
