Can You Make a U-Turn Over a Single Yellow Line?
3 Answers
A single yellow line does not permit U-turns. Here is more information about yellow lines: 1. Solid single yellow line: Strictly prohibited from crossing, including actions like overtaking, turning, or making U-turns. Under normal driving conditions, you should not cross this line. Driving over a solid line is not allowed, and making a U-turn is considered a violation of traffic markings, resulting in a 3-point penalty and a 200 RMB fine. 2. Dashed single yellow line: Overtaking or making U-turns is permitted if it can be done safely. A single yellow line serves as a central dividing line to separate opposing traffic flows. A yellow dashed line allows temporary crossing into the opposite lane when necessary, while a solid line should be treated as an impassable wall. Roads with four or more lanes in both directions are marked with double yellow lines, while those with fewer lanes use a single yellow line.
As a novice driver who just got my license, I'm really confused about whether U-turns are allowed at yellow lines. The driving instructor emphasized that U-turns are absolutely prohibited at solid yellow lines, as they serve as center dividing lines that must not be crossed; only dashed yellow lines may permit U-turns under specific conditions. But real-world situations are more complex. When driving in the city, I've seen intersections with supplementary signs saying 'U-turn permitted,' and those must be obeyed. Last month in the suburbs, I almost made a U-turn at a solid line—fortunately, a friend reminded me, or I would have faced a 200-yuan fine and penalty points. Safety is even more crucial; U-turns are inherently slow maneuvers that can easily cause congestion or accidents. I recommend that new drivers download traffic apps that provide real-time navigation alerts about U-turn points, or observe surrounding vehicles' behavior to avoid reckless violations. Develop the habit of planning routes in advance—don't risk it just to save a minute or two.
As someone who has been driving for over 20 years, let me tell you that U-turns at yellow lines require experience. Solid yellow lines are no-go zones – never cross them. For dashed lines, slow down first and make sure there's no traffic before proceeding. In reality, many drivers get fined for hasty turns, losing both money and time. I've witnessed several minor accidents where drivers made U-turns across solid lines during rainy or foggy weather. Always check for no-U-turn signs at intersections. While rulebooks specify fines and penalty points, I personally recommend prioritizing safety awareness: it's better to detour to a dashed line section. Also, with frequent urban renovations, some old road markings may be unclear – extra caution is needed then. Driving is a skilled craft – maintaining distance and watching road signs is key.
