Can You Make a U-Turn on a Single Solid Line?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn on a single solid line is not allowed and is considered a traffic violation. Regardless of whether it's a single or double solid line, according to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, violators who breach prohibited markings will be fined 200 yuan and receive a 3-point penalty. Generally, on long roads, white solid lines appear in the middle section or before intersections. If the line is a yellow dashed line or white dashed line, U-turns are permitted. However, U-turns are strictly prohibited on any solid line. Permissible U-turn situations: U-turn allowed at intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, U-turns are permitted. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. In the absence of a traffic light, U-turns can be made as long as they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. U-turn allowed at intersections without explicit 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns, they are allowed. 'No explicit prohibition' means the absence of 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs and no solid lines in the center of the road. U-turns permitted on yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones, typically placed at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other necessary locations. 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. U-turn allowed with a U-turn traffic light: If a U-turn traffic light is present, follow its signal—green means U-turns are permitted. When 'No Left Turn' and 'U-turn Allowed' signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that 'No U-turn' is not the same as 'No Left Turn.' Important considerations when making a U-turn: Observe road markings—U-turns are never allowed on solid lines under any circumstances. Continue driving until a suitable U-turn location is found. If there is a 'No Left Turn' sign, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, even if 'No U-turn' is not explicitly stated, as U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not allowed from the second left-turn lane. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not interfere with straight-moving vehicles; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows—some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit 'No U-turn' signs, U-turns are prohibited in such lanes. U-turns are not permitted on pedestrian crosswalks and are considered violations.
When I first got my driver's license, I was also confused about whether U-turns were allowed at solid lines. My instructor repeatedly reminded me that the solid line is like an invisible wall—you absolutely cannot cross it to make a U-turn. The rules are clear: solid lines are designed to separate lanes and prevent reckless lane changes or turns, and U-turns are especially prohibited, particularly at intersections without U-turn signs. I remember during my early days as a new driver, I impulsively attempted a U-turn at a solid line and almost collided with an oncoming car. I was also caught by a roadside camera and fined 200 yuan. Since then, I've learned that U-turns should only be made at dashed lines or in designated areas. Always pay attention to road signs and traffic light instructions while driving—developing good habits can save you a lot of trouble. After all, safety comes first, which is more important than saving time. These basic rules are all covered in the driving school manual; reviewing them a few times will help you remember. Don’t take risks like I did at first.
