What does the yellow dotted line inside the circle mean?
2 Answers
The yellow dotted line inside the circle is an intersection guide line. Below are the specific details about intersection guide lines: 1. Form: The intersection guide line connecting the same-direction lane dividing line or the motorized/non-motorized dividing line is a white curved (or straight) dotted line; the intersection guide line connecting the opposite-direction lane dividing line is a yellow curved (or straight) dotted line. 2. Function: Intersection guide lines are designed to allow left-turning vehicles to drive in an orderly manner within this lane, improving intersection traffic efficiency. For example, when the left-turn signal and straight-through signal turn green, turning vehicles and straight-going vehicles may experience some congestion. During heavy traffic, turning vehicles might encounter "cutting in" situations. Therefore, multiple guide lines need to be set up at intersections, and all vehicles must drive orderly on the inner side of the guide lines when passing through these points.
When I used to drive in the city, I often encountered those yellow dashed lines painted in the turning areas at intersections. They basically indicate that you can make a U-turn or turn from there, but you need to be extra cautious of other traffic. Looking back, there was a time when I hesitated in front of such a line and almost got rear-ended by a motorcycle behind me, so I suggest checking your blind spots before proceeding. Additionally, rules may vary by location—for instance, in some urban one-way streets, these dashed lines allow turns, but they're rarely seen on highways. If you're unsure, it's best to check the local traffic manual or ask experienced drivers to avoid accidents and fines. The key point is that they're designed for road flexibility, but misuse can easily lead to collisions, so I always remind myself to slow down, observe, and then proceed.
