Is making a U-turn over a solid white line considered a traffic violation?

[VonLena]

Making a U-turn over a solid white line is considered a traffic violation. The solid white line in the middle of the road serves as a central divider. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. Generally, on long roads, solid white lines are often found in the middle sections or before intersections. If the line is a yellow dashed line or a white dashed line, U-turns are allowed. However, U-turns are strictly prohibited over any solid line. Permissible situations for making a U-turn: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, a U-turn is allowed. If there is a U-turn traffic light, drivers must follow its instructions. In the absence of a traffic light, U-turns can be made based on the specific situation, provided they do not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is no explicit prohibition against U-turns, they are allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of "No U-turn" or "No Left Turn" signs and the absence of solid lines in the middle of the road. In such cases, U-turns are permitted. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones, typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary parking, important facility entrances, and other necessary locations. Stopping on these grid lines (including waiting for traffic lights) is a violation. However, while parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed. As long as there is no central barrier, yellow grid lines are equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, drivers must wait for the green light to make a U-turn. When "No Left Turn" and "U-turn Permitted" signs appear together: U-turns are allowed, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Things to note when making a U-turn at an intersection: Observe road markings. If the line is solid, U-turns are prohibited under any circumstances. Drivers should continue forward to find a suitable location for a U-turn. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign ahead, even if there is no mention of "No U-turn," U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns and left turns are similar maneuvers, and U-turns always involve a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If the vehicle is in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. When making a U-turn, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and proceed only if it does not interfere with the normal flow of vehicles. Otherwise, they will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows to help drivers choose the correct lane. The leftmost lane does not always have a left-turn arrow. On some roads, if the arrow indicates straight ahead, U-turns are not allowed, even if there are no explicit "No U-turn" signs. U-turns must not be made on pedestrian crosswalks, as this is also a traffic violation.

[SanLukas]

I have been driving for twenty years and have accumulated a lot of practical experience. Making a U-turn over a solid white line is definitely a traffic violation, which I have witnessed many times. Solid white lines are painted on the road to prohibit vehicles from crossing them arbitrarily. A U-turn maneuver will inevitably cross the line, violating traffic marking regulations and disrupting lane order. Last year, while passing through an intersection, I saw a driver cause a minor rear-end collision due to making a U-turn over a solid line. Later, the traffic police issued a ticket: 2 penalty points and a 200 RMB fine. Safety always comes first. These lines are designed to prevent chaotic turns and ensure smooth traffic flow for straight-moving vehicles. I advise fellow drivers to develop good habits—check the road conditions before making a U-turn and only perform the maneuver at dashed lines or locations with permitted signage. Ignoring the rules not only risks accidents but also leads to fines and penalty points. Taking a few extra steps is safer and more worry-free, making it a worthwhile habit for disciplined driving. Using navigation to plan routes in advance can help reduce rushed decisions. Remember, road markings are not decorations but a safety barrier.