Can You Make a U-turn Over a Yellow Line?
4 Answers
A yellow dashed line allows U-turns when there are no prohibitory signs and it does not interfere with normal traffic flow. However, a yellow solid line prohibits U-turns, and violating this rule constitutes a traffic offense. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. On long roads, white or yellow solid/dashed lines typically appear in mid-sections or before intersections. U-turns are strictly prohibited over solid lines. Permissible U-turn scenarios: U-turn is allowed at intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, U-turns are permitted. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. In the absence of a traffic light, U-turns can be made as long as they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. U-turn is allowed at intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns, U-turns are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn," "No Left Turn" signs, or solid center lines. U-turns are also permitted over yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones marked at intersections prone to congestion, important facility entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping (including waiting at traffic lights) on these grids is illegal. Although parking is prohibited, U-turns are allowed over yellow grid lines unless there is a central barrier. Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—U-turns are only allowed when the U-turn light is green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Allowed" signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" does not equate to "No Left Turn." Precautions when making U-turns at intersections: Check road markings: Solid lines strictly prohibit U-turns under any circumstances. Proceed forward to find a suitable U-turn spot. If a "No Left Turn" sign is present, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, even if there is no explicit "No U-turn" sign, as U-turns inherently involve a left turn. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not allowed from the second left-turn lane. Yield to straight-moving traffic: U-turns should only be made without disrupting straight-moving vehicles, or you will bear full liability for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lane arrows guide traffic. The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow; some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit "No U-turn" signs, U-turns are prohibited in such lanes. U-turns on crosswalks are illegal.
I've been driving for over a decade and have some experience to share about U-turns at yellow lines. Yellow lines come in solid and dashed varieties. Solid yellow lines absolutely prohibit U-turns—they serve as dividers for opposing lanes, and making a U-turn there is extremely dangerous. I once got caught attempting a U-turn at a solid yellow line and was fined 200 yuan with 3 penalty points. Dashed yellow lines allow for safe U-turns, but you must signal in advance, check your mirrors to confirm no cars are coming, and avoid rushing the turn. Safety-first rules are designed to prevent collisions. Remember to also pay attention to road signs, and when in doubt, check traffic apps to learn the rules—it saves you from unnecessary trouble.
From the perspective of traffic rules, whether a U-turn is allowed on a yellow line entirely depends on the line type. Solid yellow lines strictly prohibit U-turns as they are legally designated no-go zones; dashed yellow lines permit U-turns when visibility is clear and no oncoming vehicles are present, but a safe distance must be maintained. This is because yellow lines serve as road dividers, and violating them can easily lead to accidents, such as being unable to avoid suddenly appearing opposing vehicles. Novices often overlook this, resulting in common penalties of a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points. I recommend learning basic traffic regulations or consulting an instructor before driving to avoid pitfalls—saving trouble while staying compliant.
Making a U-turn over a yellow line is deeply tied to safety. Solid yellow lines strictly prohibit any crossing maneuvers including U-turns, while dashed lines permit them but only under safe conditions. Violations not only risk a fine of 200 yuan and 3 penalty points, but also significantly increase collision hazards endangering lives. These decades-unchanged rules exist to preserve lives—drivers must observe road markings and signals to confirm legal operations. A cautious mindset ensures worry-free journeys.
