What is the meaning of a single yellow solid line?
2 Answers
Single yellow solid line is a lane demarcation line, which serves as a warning to drivers not to cross the line, make U-turns, or overtake by crossing the line. If a vehicle drives over a single yellow solid line, it constitutes illegal reverse driving, typically resulting in a 3-point deduction and corresponding fines. Single yellow solid lines generally appear on roads with a single lane or one motor vehicle lane and one non-motorized vehicle lane to divide unidirectional traffic. Double yellow solid lines are used to divide traffic directions on roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes in each direction without a central divider. Drivers should pay attention to no-stopping lines in daily driving. No-stopping lines are usually yellow dashed or solid lines located along the roadside. A yellow dashed line indicates that drivers can temporarily park there, while a yellow solid line means parking is not allowed, even for a minute.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and have seen countless road markings. The single solid yellow line is that prominent yellow line painted in the middle of the road. It represents absolutely no crossing or overtaking, strictly separating opposing lanes. Every time I see it on mountain roads or narrow streets, I remind myself never to cross or change lanes over it – the risks are too high, not just for potential head-on collisions but also a 200-yuan fine and 3 penalty points. A friend of mine learned this the hard way when he crossed the line and got caught on camera. Back then he complained about strict rules, but later understood it's a safety line protecting all drivers. Nowadays, I pay extra attention to road conditions, especially at night or in rain – that single yellow line is a silent warning sign. Following it is the only way to get home safely.
