Can You Make a U-Turn on a Single Dotted Line Plus a Solid Line?
2 Answers
It depends on the situation: If your lane has a dotted line and the opposite lane has a solid line, you can make a U-turn. However, if your lane has a solid line and the opposite lane has a dotted line, you cannot make a U-turn. According to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, violating the prohibition markings will result in a fine of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points. Generally, on long roads, white solid lines are usually found in the middle section or before intersections. If there are yellow dotted lines or white dotted lines, U-turns are allowed, but U-turns are prohibited on solid lines. Cases where U-turns are allowed: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, you must follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, you should make a U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not hinder other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit no U-turn or no left-turn signs: If there is no explicit prohibition against U-turns, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection does not have signs like "No U-Turn," "No Left Turn," or a solid center line. In such cases, you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking, important entrances, or other necessary locations. Parking on these grid lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although vehicles cannot stop in yellow grid zones, U-turns are permitted there. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn allowed." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, you must wait for the green light to make a U-turn. When no left-turn and U-turn allowed signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-Turn" does not mean "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. You should continue driving to find a suitable spot for a U-turn. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign ahead, even if there is no explicit "No U-Turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are similar maneuvers, and a U-turn requires a left turn first. 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. Only proceed if it does not interfere with the normal flow of traffic; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows for vehicle direction. The leftmost lane is not always for left turns only. If a lane has a straight arrow, even without explicit "No U-Turn" signs, U-turns are not allowed. U-turns cannot be made on pedestrian crosswalks, as this is also a violation.
As someone who has been driving for many years, I'm very familiar with this type of road marking. When there's a single dashed line combined with a solid line, if the dashed line is on your side, you can usually make a U-turn, but you absolutely mustn't do it casually. You need to observe the traffic conditions, such as ensuring there's no oncoming traffic or pedestrian interference. Never cross the solid line side, otherwise it's a traffic violation that could result in penalty points, fines, and danger. Every time before making a U-turn, I signal with my turn indicator and slow down, only proceeding when it's confirmed safe. Also, pay attention to any no U-turn signs - if present, you must absolutely not do it. Road markings vary a lot, and this type is common in cities. While U-turns can save time, safety should always come first. Remember, just because the rules allow it doesn't mean you can do it recklessly - you need to adapt flexibly to the environment to avoid accidents.
