Can You Make a U-Turn on a Single Dashed Line?
3 Answers
You can make a U-turn on a single dashed line if there is no 'No U-turn' sign and it does not affect the normal flow of traffic. However, making a U-turn on a single solid line is not allowed and constitutes a traffic violation. According to the 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. On long roads, there are usually white or yellow solid or dashed lines in the middle section or before intersections. U-turns are prohibited on any solid line. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make a U-turn only if it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs allow U-turns: If there is no explicit prohibition, you can make a U-turn. 'No explicit prohibition' means the intersection has no 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs and no solid lines in the center. In such cases, you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances, or other designated areas. Parking (including waiting at traffic lights) on these lines is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed on yellow grid lines unless there is a central barrier. Yellow grid lines without barriers are equivalent to 'U-turn permitted.' Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn light, you can only make a U-turn when it is green. When 'No Left Turn' and 'U-turn Permitted' signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that 'No U-turn' is not the same as 'No Left Turn.' Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Check road markings—if they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. If there is a 'No Left Turn' sign, even without a 'No U-turn' sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. If you interfere with straight-moving vehicles, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow—some have straight arrows. Even without explicit 'No U-turn' signs, U-turns are not allowed in such lanes. Making a U-turn on a crosswalk is also a traffic violation.
Having driven for a lifetime, I'm quite familiar with making U-turns on single dashed lines. Generally speaking, U-turns are allowed on single dashed lines because they indicate that lane crossing is permitted, unlike solid lines which are more restrictive. However, just looking at the lines isn't enough—you must first check for any no U-turn signs or if you're at high-risk areas like intersections or sharp turns. I've seen novice drivers make overly hasty U-turns on dashed lines, nearly colliding with oncoming traffic—it was enough to give anyone a cold sweat. Rules vary by location; for instance, in cities, most streets allow U-turns on dashed lines, but on highways or near school zones, extra caution is needed. A veteran driver's tip: before executing the maneuver, ensure good visibility and light traffic, and don't block others' way. In short, U-turns are doable, but safety trumps everything. When in doubt, slowing down or taking a detour is the most hassle-free approach.
When I first started learning to drive, I was really confused about whether U-turns were allowed on single dashed lines. I asked my instructor, and he said that generally, dashed lines mean lane changes and U-turns are permitted, but under certain conditions. For example, on main roads, if there are no prohibiting signs, it's usually allowed. However, on curves or during rainy/foggy weather, it's absolutely not advisable to take risks—safety first. During my driving practice, I rehearsed this scenario: at a dashed line, first turn on the indicator, check the rearview mirror for safety, then slowly steer—never rush. The instructor emphasized that rules vary; some areas only allow U-turns during specific times, so beginners should check the manual beforehand. Looking back now, relying too much on line markings was a mistake—the key is to assess the overall environment. Fellow drivers, don’t skip the effort—ask experienced drivers or check traffic rule apps, and make it a habit for peace of mind.
