Can You Make a U-Turn Over Yellow Solid and Dashed Lines?

[LaAriel]

A U-turn is permitted over yellow dashed lines when there are no prohibitory U-turn signs and it does not interfere with normal traffic flow. However, U-turns over yellow solid lines are prohibited and constitute a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 demerit points. Typically, on long stretches of roads, solid or dashed white or yellow lines are present in the middle sections or before intersections. U-turns are strictly prohibited over any solid lines. Permissible U-turn scenarios: Intersections with U-turn signs allow U-turns: If an intersection has clear U-turn signage, U-turns are permitted. If there are U-turn traffic signals, follow the signal instructions. In the absence of signals, make the U-turn without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions on U-turns or left turns allow U-turns: If there are no signs explicitly banning U-turns, they are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn," "No Left Turn" signs, or solid center lines, making U-turns permissible. U-turns are also allowed over yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines indicate no-stopping zones at intersections prone to congestion, important entrances, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including at traffic lights) is a violation. While stopping is prohibited, U-turns are allowed over yellow grid lines unless there is a central divider. These lines effectively permit U-turns. Intersections with U-turn traffic signals: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal, proceed only when it is green. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs coexist: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are not. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Key considerations when making a U-turn: Observe road markings—U-turns are never allowed over solid lines under any circumstances. Continue driving to find a suitable U-turn spot. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, U-turns are also prohibited at that intersection, even if not explicitly stated, as U-turns inherently involve left-turning movements. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. U-turns are not permitted from the second left-turn lane. Always yield to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn to avoid accidents, or you will bear full liability. Near intersection stop lines, lane arrows guide vehicle positioning. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows; some may have straight arrows, prohibiting U-turns even without explicit signs. U-turns on crosswalks are illegal.

[McStephen]

Seeing the yellow solid and dashed lines puts my mind at ease. As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I'm most familiar with this type of road marking. Your side is the dashed line, right? As long as there's no no-U-turn sign, feel free to make a U-turn confidently. Just remember to check your rearview mirror, use your turn signal, and make sure there's no oncoming traffic before turning—safety first. However, be aware that U-turns aren't allowed near pedestrian crossings, and it's best to avoid making a U-turn when there's police presence at the intersection. Last month, I made a U-turn at the dashed line on Jianshe Road, and a pedestrian suddenly dashed out—I had to brake hard. Thinking about it now still gives me chills. When making a U-turn, do it quickly without hesitation; it's best to turn the steering wheel fully and complete it in one smooth motion.

[VanXavier]

During driving lessons, the instructor repeatedly emphasized the intricacies of yellow dashed and solid lines, and I even specifically asked the examiner about it during my Category 3 test. Simply put, if you're on the dashed side, you can make a U-turn, but you must ensure it doesn't interfere with through traffic. Now, when I drive myself, I pay extra attention to three things: first, check the road markings to confirm it's a dashed line; second, look up for any 'No U-turn' signs; and finally, observe the crosswalk and the distance of oncoming traffic. Last week on the service road of Jiangnan Avenue, I didn't dare to make a U-turn even though it was a dashed line because there was a 'No U-turn' sign at the intersection. New drivers should remember: a dashed line isn't a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'—safety standards are always stricter than traffic rules.

[AlyssaDella]

Traffic regulations clearly stated in 12123: Yellow dashed-solid lines allow crossing from the dashed side, which naturally includes U-turns. However, several key points must be noted: do not encroach on the solid-line side lane, avoid prohibited sections, and steer clear of fire hydrant zones. After last year's system upgrade, new electronic monitoring points were added. Some drivers assumed they could freely make U-turns from the dashed side, only to be penalized for crossing solid lines on West Lake Avenue. The safest approach is to slow down, activate hazard lights, and wait for straight-moving vehicles to pass before turning. Especially in rainy conditions with poor visibility, always ensure the road is clear of obstacles before turning.

[XavierLynn]

I make dozens of U-turns every day driving for ride-hailing, and the yellow solid-dashed lines are practically an old friend to drivers. When encountering this type of line, check three things: whether your lane is the dashed segment, if there are any prohibition signs ahead, and be extra cautious of electric bikes weaving in and out. Once in a commercial area, I was making a U-turn on the dashed line when an e-bike suddenly darted out from the blind spot mid-turn; luckily, I braked in time. Here’s a practical tip: first, move right and slow down, aligning the diagonal angle toward the target intersection—this minimizes the turning radius and avoids blocking lanes. Remember the right-of-way hierarchy: through traffic > turning vehicles > U-turning vehicles. Yield when you should—never force your way.

[MackenzieLee]

The detailed rules of the new traffic regulations clearly state: Vehicles on the dashed line side may temporarily borrow the opposite lane for overtaking or U-turns under safe conditions. In actual driving, I've developed a reflex—check the lines first, then look up for signs. Last week, while dropping my child off at school, I encountered a yellow dashed-solid line. Despite the dashed line, I hesitated to make a U-turn because there was a 'No U-turn 7:00-9:00' sign nearby. I recommend installing a dash cam; it provides evidence in case of disputes. The dashed lines at residential area entrances are the most hazardous, with children often darting out suddenly. Always proceed at a crawl and stay alert when making U-turns there.