Can You Make a U-Turn Over a Single Yellow Line in the Middle of the Road?
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 demerit points. Generally, on long stretches of road, there are usually white solid lines, dashed lines, or yellow solid or dashed lines in the middle section or before intersections. As long as the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited. Scenarios where U-turns are allowed: 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 the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is no explicit prohibition, U-turns are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-turn," "No Left Turn," or a solid center line. In such cases, you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones, typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed as long as there is no central barrier. A yellow grid line without a barrier is equivalent to "U-turn permitted." When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: 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, even if "No U-turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are still prohibited at that intersection because the actions of left turns and U-turns are closely related—a U-turn requires 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. If you interfere with the normal flow of through traffic, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near the intersection stop line, lanes usually have guiding arrows for drivers to choose their direction. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if there is a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs. Making a U-turn on a crosswalk is also a traffic violation.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, the solid yellow line in the middle of the road is absolutely not a place for U-turns. The rule is clear: a solid yellow line is a strict dividing marker, meaning you'll likely get into trouble once you cross it. I've personally witnessed someone trying to make a U-turn for convenience on a busy road, only to collide head-on with an oncoming vehicle. When the police arrived, they issued a ticket immediately, citing illegal operation. In urban driving, it's essential to develop the habit of detouring to areas with dashed lines or designated U-turn signs. Don't cut corners—safety comes first, above all else. I often remind my friends to pay attention to these details to avoid unnecessary risks.
