Can You Make a U-Turn on a Single Yellow Line?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn on a single yellow line is not allowed. Here is some relevant information about yellow lines: 1. Single solid yellow line: Used to distinguish the direction of vehicle travel. It generally appears on narrow rural roads with a single lane in each direction, so vehicles cannot drive side by side on it. 2. Double solid yellow lines: Used to distinguish the direction of vehicle travel. They usually appear on wider roads with two or more lanes in each direction. It is important to note that lanes with double solid yellow lines strictly prohibit vehicles from crossing the lines to overtake or driving on the lines. A single dashed yellow line allows vehicles to make a U-turn, while double dashed yellow lines do not permit U-turns.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen too many accidents caused by U-turns at single yellow lines. A single yellow line is a solid yellow line, usually indicating no long-term parking, but U-turns involve crossing the line, which is even more prone to problems. Like last time on a city arterial road, I tried to make a hasty U-turn and was stopped by traffic police, who warned me that solid line areas prohibit random lane crossing, including U-turns. If you force it, the cameras will catch you, resulting in a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine, and it might even cause a rear-end collision, especially during peak hours when traffic is heavy. Now I've learned my lesson—before making a U-turn, I always check if the road section has dashed lines or dedicated U-turn signs, or I simply drive to an intersection with traffic lights to perform the maneuver. Rules vary by location—for example, certain roads in Shanghai allow U-turns during specific times. It's best to check local traffic regulations using navigation apps. Develop good habits, pay attention to road signs, and don’t risk it just to save a few seconds—safety always comes first.
