How Many Points and Fines for Making a U-Turn in a Straight Lane?
3 Answers
If a motor vehicle violates regulations by making a left turn or U-turn at an intersection where left turns are prohibited, or by making a U-turn in the leftmost lane of a road marked only for straight traffic, even if it is a double yellow line with one dashed line, it constitutes the traffic violation of not driving in the designated lane. The penalty is a fine and 2 demerit points. Additionally, if a traffic accident occurs, the driver will bear primary responsibility. Below is an introduction regarding U-turns for motor vehicles:1. U-turns are not allowed: Motor vehicles are not allowed to make U-turns on roads with a solid center line, whether it is a double yellow line, a single yellow line, or a white solid line. U-turns are prohibited where explicitly marked on the road. If there is no U-turn marking on the road but a no-left-turn sign is present, U-turns are also not allowed. Motor vehicles cannot make U-turns in the leftmost lane if it is designated for straight traffic. 2. Pay attention to traffic signs: Motor vehicle drivers must observe traffic signs on the road, especially when approaching intersections. They must drive according to the designated lane markings and check whether the intersection allows U-turns. Navigation can also be set in advance to plan the route for driving.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I strongly advise against making U-turns from straight lanes. Driving in the city, I've witnessed numerous instances where drivers attempting illegal U-turns from straight lanes got caught by traffic cameras - a guaranteed 3-point deduction and approximately 200 RMB fine, though the exact amount varies by region (some areas impose over 500 RMB). In my younger days, I foolishly tried saving time by making a U-turn before a red light, only to be caught red-handed by traffic police - the penalty still stings. The real danger lies in how easily this can cause rear-end collisions or side impacts - the risks far outweigh any perceived convenience. Now I've developed the habit of only executing U-turns when seeing dedicated U-turn signs or signals, significantly reducing accident risks while ensuring smoother journeys. My advice: never gamble with traffic rules - true driving mastery means prioritizing safety above all.
When I first started learning to drive, I made the foolish mistake of attempting a U-turn from a straight lane and got caught on camera immediately. It cost me 3 demerit points and a 200-yuan fine, and my palms were sweating at the time. As a beginner, it's easy to make mistakes when you don't know the rules, but fortunately, no accident occurred. Later, I learned that traffic regulations explicitly prohibit such maneuvers because they disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of collisions. Now, when driving, I always remind myself to pay more attention to road signs, check navigation in advance to plan U-turn spots, and avoid being as impatient as I was back then. Safe driving is fundamental, especially during rush hours—waiting for a red light is always the safer choice. Looking back, although the demerit points and fine were minor, the lesson learned was invaluable. I hope other newly licensed drivers can avoid such pitfalls.
