Can You Make a U-Turn on a Solid Yellow Line?

[AliyahRose]

Making a U-turn on a solid yellow 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 demerit points. Generally, on long roads, solid white lines, dashed lines, or solid yellow lines and dashed lines are marked in the middle section or before intersections. U-turns are prohibited on any solid line. Permissible U-turn situations: U-turn is allowed at intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, a U-turn can be made. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. U-turn is allowed at intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is no explicit prohibition of U-turns, it is allowed. Here, "no explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs, and the centerline is not solid. In such cases, U-turns are permitted. U-turn is allowed on yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important entrances/exits, or other designated areas. Parking on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited on yellow grid lines, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. Yellow grid lines without barriers are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." U-turn is allowed at intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, proceed only when it is green. U-turn is allowed when "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs coexist: U-turns are allowed even if left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-turn" does not necessarily mean "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at intersections: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable spot. 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 left turns. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. Always yield to straight-moving vehicles. Make the U-turn only if it does not interfere with their normal flow; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes usually have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-turn" signs. U-turns on crosswalks are illegal and constitute a traffic violation.

[KennedyDella]

I've been driving trucks for decades and have seen plenty of illegal U-turns over solid yellow lines. The rule is simple: solid yellow lines indicate no crossing is allowed along the entire stretch, and making a U-turn counts as crossing, so it's absolutely prohibited. Double solid yellow lines are even stricter – you're not even allowed to touch them. If you force a U-turn over solid lines, not only could it cause serious accidents, but you'll also face penalties – typically a 200 yuan fine and 3 demerit points. I've seen inexperienced drivers trying to save time by making U-turns over solid yellow lines at urban intersections, nearly causing rear-end collisions – it's extremely dangerous. The correct approach is to wait for a dashed line section or a designated U-turn spot before maneuvering. That's the safe way. Remember, respecting traffic rules means protecting lives.

[MacDiana]

I got my driver's license less than half a year ago and was initially confused about whether U-turns were allowed on solid yellow lines. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that U-turns are prohibited on solid yellow lines, whether single or double, as they indicate traffic flow separation, and making a U-turn there would disrupt traffic. I even got a similar question wrong during the test and later learned that making a U-turn at a solid line could result in a 200-yuan fine and penalty points, which was a tough lesson. Now, I’m extra cautious when driving and only make U-turns at dashed lines or where U-turn signs are present. If I miss a turn, I don’t rush to make a U-turn at a solid line—taking a detour is much safer. Following traffic rules saves hassle—don’t make the same mistake I did.

[Lane]

Having focused on traffic safety for a long time, I'm well aware of the dangers of making U-turns on solid yellow lines. Solid yellow lines are designed to prevent wrong-way driving and collisions. Making U-turns on them can easily cause traffic congestion or rear-end collisions. The law clearly states that U-turns are prohibited in solid yellow line areas, with a penalty of 200 yuan fine and 3 demerit points for violations. From my traffic police friend, I learned that surveillance cameras frequently capture such violations. To ensure the safety of all vehicles, everyone must perform U-turns only at dashed lines or intersections. Developing good habits can help avoid risks.