Can You Make a U-Turn on a Tidal Lane with Dashed Lines?

[StPreston]

U-turns are not permitted on tidal lanes unless there is a sign explicitly allowing them, regardless of whether the lane markings are dashed or solid. Tidal lanes are a type of variable lane, and the tidal markings on either side of the road serve the same function as double yellow lines. Drivers must not cross the tidal markings to overtake another vehicle or make a U-turn. Violators will be penalized with a 3-point deduction on their driving record under the Road Traffic Safety Law. Additionally, when driving on a tidal lane, drivers must pay attention to the direction indicated by the traffic signals. Generally, tidal lanes are operational only during specific time periods, such as morning or evening rush hours, or when there is heavy traffic in left-turn lanes and lighter traffic in straight lanes. Drivers are not allowed to use tidal lanes outside these designated times. Circumstances where U-turns are allowed: If an intersection has a clear U-turn sign, drivers may make a U-turn; if there is a U-turn signal light, drivers must follow its instructions. In the absence of a signal light, U-turns can be made as long as they do not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. U-turns are permitted at intersections without explicit 'No U-turn' or 'No Left Turn' signs: If there is no sign explicitly prohibiting a U-turn, drivers may proceed with one. 'No explicit prohibition' means the absence of signs like 'No U-turn,' 'No Left Turn,' or solid center lines. In such cases, drivers can make a U-turn confidently. U-turns are also allowed on yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking, important facility entrances, or other critical locations. Stopping on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are permitted as long as there is no central barrier, effectively making these zones 'U-turn allowed' areas. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal, drivers must wait for the green light to proceed with a U-turn. When 'No Left Turn' and 'U-turn Allowed' signs coexist: U-turns are permitted even if left turns are prohibited. However, 'No U-turn' is not the same as 'No Left Turn.' Important considerations when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe the road markings. If they are solid lines, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Drivers should continue forward to find a suitable location. If there is a 'No Left Turn' sign, even without a 'No U-turn' sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because the actions for left turns and U-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 the vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, a U-turn at that intersection is not permitted. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and ensure their U-turn does not disrupt the flow of straight-moving vehicles. Otherwise, they will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes often have guiding arrows. The leftmost lane is not always marked for left turns; if it has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit 'No U-turn' signs. U-turns must not be made on pedestrian crosswalks, as this is also a traffic violation.