What are the markings that allow U-turns on the road?
3 Answers
On the road, the markings that allow U-turns are white dashed lines or yellow dashed lines. When making a U-turn, you should turn on the left turn signal in advance, the maximum driving speed should not exceed 30 kilometers per hour, and you must not hinder other vehicles and pedestrians traveling normally. The situations where U-turns are prohibited are as follows: U-turns are prohibited where there are 'No U-turn' signs or 'No Left Turn' signs: As long as there is a sign prohibiting U-turns, then U-turns are not allowed at that intersection. The action of making a U-turn is also an extension of a left turn, so if there is a sign prohibiting left turns at an intersection, then U-turns are also prohibited there. U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks: U-turns are prohibited at crosswalks. If at an intersection where U-turns are allowed, you must cross the crosswalk before making a U-turn, and you cannot make a U-turn on the crosswalk. U-turns are prohibited when there is no left turn lane: Even if you are in the leftmost lane, if there is no sign allowing left turns, U-turns are also not allowed. U-turns are prohibited within the second left turn lane line: When a vehicle is stopped in the second left turn lane, it cannot make a U-turn. In the absence of any directional signs, vehicles can only make U-turns in the innermost left turn lane.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I can tell you that the most common marking indicating permitted U-turns is the double yellow dashed line. This marking divides the lane into two parts in the center of the road, with the dashed lines indicating that crossing is allowed, so when you see it at intersections or straight sections, you can safely make a U-turn. Additionally, a single yellow dashed line may also permit U-turns in certain specific sections, but you need to check if there are other accompanying signs, such as a sign at the intersection that does not prohibit U-turns and explicitly allows them. Remember, if the marking is a solid line or a double yellow solid line, you must never make a U-turn, or you will receive a ticket. I often encounter these markings at highway exits or urban main roads, and they are designed quite thoughtfully to reduce congestion. In short, safety first—only make U-turns where the markings clearly permit it.
I just got my driver's license not long ago. During driving lessons, the instructor emphasized that the markings indicating where U-turns are allowed are mainly identified by double yellow dashed lines. They look like intermittent lines in the middle of the road, indicating that vehicles can temporarily cross them to complete a U-turn. When actually driving, I often see these markings at intersections, and they become even easier to recognize when paired with arrows on the ground or roadside signs. I also learned a trick: if there are double yellow dashed lines at a turning point, U-turns are generally allowed, but you must pay attention to traffic signals or oncoming vehicles. The knowledge taught in driving school is very useful, and with more practice, beginners can become familiar with it. Don't mess around at solid lines or no-left-turn zones; safety is always the top priority. Pay more attention to roadside setups to improve your driving skills.
