What are the two white dashed lines in the circle?
3 Answers
The two white dashed lines in the circle are the left-turn waiting area markings. The left-turn waiting area is specifically for left-turning vehicles. When the straight signal light is green and the left-turn signal is red, left-turning vehicles can enter the left-turn waiting area to wait. When the left-turn signal turns green, vehicles waiting in the waiting area can quickly pass through the intersection. When both the straight and left-turn signals are red, vehicles are not allowed to enter the left-turn waiting area. According to China's road width conditions, each motor vehicle lane on urban arterial roads is 3.5 meters wide. Roads implementing the "left-turn waiting area" are generally one-way roads with three or more lanes. Based on each traffic signal cycle, it is estimated that 3 or 4 more vehicles can pass per signal cycle, approximately 100 vehicles per hour. This measure will effectively increase the traffic capacity of the intersection and reduce vehicle congestion. U-turns are allowed in the left-turn waiting area markings. The correct procedure is: when the left-turn signal is red, if you are the first in line, enter the waiting area to wait. When the signal turns green, you can start the U-turn from the middle of the road. If you are not first in line, as long as you have passed the pedestrian crosswalk, you can make a U-turn at any dashed line of the left-turn waiting area. Making a U-turn within the red box or red circle will result in fines and penalty points.
I've been driving for many years and often encounter these markings inside roundabouts or circular intersections—two white dashed lines forming a lane divider. These dashed lines are similar to those on regular lanes, indicating that you can safely change lanes, but only where the dashes allow, not recklessly. They're quite common in traffic design, aimed at preventing collisions between vehicles during turns and ensuring smoother traffic flow. Especially during rush hours, they help reduce congestion. However, if you're not paying attention, particularly as a novice driver, it's easy to get into a scrape here. I recommend following these dashed lines when navigating roundabouts and maintaining a safe distance. Also, check during regular maintenance whether the markings are clear—faded lines can be hard to see in rain, increasing risks. Such markings are found nationwide, like on Shanghai's Outer Ring Road, and are designed with user-friendliness in mind.
As an ordinary driver, I find these two white dashed lines in the roundabout quite familiar. They are placed inside roundabouts or similar circular intersections to mark different lanes. When you drive in, the dashed sections allow you to change lanes slowly, but you must stay in your lane where the lines are solid. This design helps prevent accidents during sharp turns and ensures pedestrian safety. I often drive on such roads in my hometown, and the accident rate tends to be higher when the dashed lines are worn out. When driving, I teach my children to observe these lines and avoid distractions. The city traffic department also conducts regular maintenance to ensure the lines remain clear. If there are stains on the lines, prompt cleaning is essential.
