What is the meaning of a solid yellow line?
2 Answers
A solid yellow line is used to separate lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions, typically painted down the center of the road, functioning like a divider to split the roadway into two directions. Below is an introduction to related regulations about crossing lines: 1. Solid lines: Whether single or double yellow lines, as long as they are solid, crossing is strictly prohibited, including actions like overtaking, turning, or making U-turns. Under normal driving conditions, vehicles should not cross these lines. 2. Dashed lines: Whether single or double yellow lines, if they are dashed, overtaking or making U-turns is permitted when safe to do so. Single yellow lines are generally used on roads with four or fewer lanes (including bicycle lanes), while double yellow lines are typically used on wider road surfaces. At intersections, U-turns can be made on solid lines when the traffic light is red, but only when the left-turn signal is green can U-turns be made at intersections without dedicated U-turn signals and no prohibitory signs, indicating that U-turns are allowed. Unlike left-turning vehicles, U-turning vehicles may proceed during a red light, provided they do not interfere with the normal passage of other vehicles.
Over the years of driving, the most frequently asked question is about the solid yellow line. Simply put, that bright yellow line in the middle of the road is a strict rule telling you absolutely not to cross it for overtaking or turning, especially noticeable on two-way two-lane roads. Once, a friend of mine was caught on camera crossing the solid yellow line to change lanes, resulting in a painful penalty of 3 points and 200 yuan. The biggest difference between it and a dashed line is that dashed lines allow you to borrow the opposite lane for overtaking, while a solid line is like a wall—when you see it, you must obediently stay in your own lane. If you encounter double solid yellow lines, it's even stricter, usually appearing on curves or accident-prone sections. Remember the mantra 'solid lines are walls, dashed lines are bridges,' and you'll surely avoid trouble.
