How Many Points and Fines for Making a U-Turn in a Straight Lane?

[MacAlice]

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.

[DiJack]

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.

[JeremiahRose]

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.

[VonMax]

Making a U-turn in a straight lane is absolutely illegal in urban traffic, resulting in a 3-point deduction and a fine starting from approximately 200 yuan, depending on the location. From my daily commuting experience, this maneuver is not worth the risk as it saves little time but poses high dangers. It's advisable to only proceed with a U-turn when observing permitted signals or signs in a straight lane to avoid camera captures. Using a mobile navigation app to plan your route can help identify safe spots in advance. Cultivating the habit of waiting ensures efficient and compliant travel. This approach saves you from fines and accident costs while guaranteeing punctual arrivals.