Can you drive over the dotted line when turning left?
2 Answers
Left-turn waiting area U-turn dotted lines can be driven over. Dotted lines in the left-turn waiting area: The left-turn waiting area consists of two parallel and slightly curved white dotted lines with a stop line at the front end. A white left-turn guide arrow is marked within the waiting area. It is set at the front end of the left-turn dedicated lane, extending into the intersection, to indicate the position where left-turning vehicles should wait during the straight-through phase. When entering the left-turn waiting area: When both the straight-through and left-turn signals in the same direction are red, left-turning vehicles are prohibited from entering the waiting area and should queue behind the stop line to wait for the signal to change; when the straight-through signal turns green (while the left-turn signal remains red), left-turning vehicles should enter the waiting area in order to wait for the left turn; when the left-turn signal turns green, left-turning vehicles should proceed through the intersection in order.
When making a left turn and encountering a dashed line, I usually cross it. Traffic rules allow crossing dashed lines for lane changes or turns, especially in urban driving conditions, which can make left turns smoother. However, safe driving is paramount. I always signal in advance, slow down, and check the mirrors for oncoming straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians to ensure no potential risks. Experience has taught me that reckless maneuvers, even when dashed lines permit them, can easily lead to trouble. For example, once during a rainy day, I forgot to slow down while turning and nearly sideswiped an electric bike running a red light. Since then, I’ve developed a habit: always confirming traffic signals and blind spot safety before turning. In short, dashed lines are designed for convenience—used well, they’re an advantage, but don’t let convenience lead to complacency. Staying vigilant ensures every trip is safer.
