Can You Make a U-Turn on a Single Yellow Line?
2 Answers
If it is a single yellow dashed line, you can make a U-turn when it does not affect the normal flow of traffic. However, if it is a single yellow solid line, making a U-turn is not allowed and is considered a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. Generally, on long roads, there are usually white solid lines, dashed lines, or yellow solid or dashed lines in the middle section or before intersections. As long as it is a solid line, U-turns are prohibited. Permissible U-turn situations: 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 assess the situation and make a U-turn only if it does not obstruct 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 absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. In such cases, you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are actually no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other designated areas. Any vehicle stopping on these grid lines (including waiting for traffic signals) is considered a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed as long as there is no central barrier. The presence of yellow grid lines without barriers is equivalent to "U-turn permitted." 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-permitted signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-turn" does not necessarily mean "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings—if it is a solid line, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving until you find a suitable location for a U-turn. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of a U-turn prohibition, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are closely related—a U-turn always involves 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 through traffic when making a U-turn. Only proceed if it does not interfere with the normal flow of vehicles, or you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows for drivers to choose their direction. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow—if there is a straight arrow, even without explicit no-U-turn signs, U-turns are not allowed. U-turns on pedestrian crosswalks are also prohibited and considered violations.
I've been driving for decades, and when I see a single yellow line, I immediately know not to make a U-turn. The solid single yellow line is clearly marked on the road, meaning you absolutely cannot cross the centerline, including actions like making a U-turn. Think about it—suddenly turning around in traffic, if there's a car coming from the opposite direction, how dangerous would that be? At best, a minor scrape; at worst, a major accident. When I was younger, I was in a hurry in the city once and tried to make a U-turn over a single yellow line. A traffic officer showed up right away, fined me 200 yuan, not to mention the points deducted. Since then, I've learned my lesson and only make U-turns where there's a dashed line or a 'U-turn permitted' sign. Remember this rule—don’t cut corners and put yourself and others in danger. Safe driving always comes first; the rules are your armor for protection.
