Can You Make a U-Turn Over Double Solid Yellow Lines?
2 Answers
Making a U-turn over double solid yellow lines is not allowed and constitutes a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. On long roads, solid white or yellow lines (or dashed lines) are typically marked in the middle sections or before intersections. U-turns are prohibited wherever solid lines are present. Permissible U-turn scenarios: U-turn allowed at intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, a U-turn is permitted. If there is a U-turn traffic light, follow its instructions. In the absence of a traffic light, assess the situation and make a U-turn only if it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. U-turn allowed where no explicit prohibition exists: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-Turn," "No Left Turn," or solid center lines, in which case U-turns are permitted. U-turn allowed over yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones, typically painted at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, important facility entrances, or other critical locations. Stopping on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. However, while parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. U-turn allowed with a U-turn traffic light: If a dedicated U-turn traffic light is present, proceed only when it turns green. U-turn allowed despite "No Left Turn" signs: A "No Left Turn" sign does not necessarily prohibit U-turns unless explicitly stated. Important U-turn precautions: Check road markings: Never attempt a U-turn over solid lines under any circumstances. Continue driving until a suitable location is found. "No Left Turn" signs implicitly prohibit U-turns: Even if "No U-Turn" is not posted, a U-turn is impossible at such intersections since the maneuver requires a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane: U-turns are prohibited if initiated from the second left-turn lane. Yield to straight-moving traffic: Always prioritize vehicles going straight to avoid accidents and liability. Lane arrow guidance: The leftmost lane may not always have a left-turn arrow. If marked with a straight arrow, U-turns are forbidden even without explicit prohibitory signs. No U-turns on crosswalks: Making a U-turn on pedestrian crossings is also a violation.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I'm telling you that making a U-turn over double solid yellow lines is absolutely prohibited. This is a hard rule in traffic regulations, as such lines are typically placed in high-risk areas like curves or near schools. When I was younger, I once tried to make a U-turn over double yellows in a hurry and nearly collided head-on with another car – fortunately my quick reflexes saved me. Since then, I've strictly followed the rule: double lines mean no crossing, no U-turns or lane changes allowed, all to reduce accident risks. Nowadays if I miss my route, I'll use navigation to find dashed-line sections or designated U-turn spots – safety comes first. While yellow line rules are similar nationwide, pay attention to details: single solid yellows may permit lane changes under specific conditions.
