What is the penalty for making a U-turn at a double yellow dashed line?
3 Answers
Double yellow dashed lines allow U-turns, so there will be no penalty. Double yellow dashed lines are generally set up at intersections with low traffic volume, where vehicles can cross the double yellow dashed lines to enter the road or make U-turns or turns after confirming safety. Other situations where U-turns are allowed are as follows: Presence of U-turn traffic lights or signs: When there is a U-turn traffic light at an intersection, a U-turn can be made when the U-turn indicator is green. If there is a U-turn sign at the intersection or a U-turn indicator on the lane, a U-turn can be made while ensuring the safety of oneself and others. No U-turn sign but left turns are allowed (no prohibition of U-turn signs): Vehicles can make U-turns at intersections where left turns are allowed and no prohibition of U-turn signs or markings are present. It should be noted that vehicles must proceed according to the left-turn lane traffic light signal without affecting the normal driving of other vehicles. If making a U-turn at an intersection with a left-turn waiting area, you can first enter the left-turn waiting area when the straight signal is green and wait until the left-turn signal turns green to make the U-turn. U-turns are allowed at dashed lines: U-turns are allowed at both white dashed lines and yellow dashed lines. If it is a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed line, check whether your side is the dashed line. If it is the dashed line, a U-turn can be made while ensuring safety; if it is the solid line, U-turns are not allowed. If encountering a double yellow line with one solid and one dashed line at an intersection, you can make a U-turn on the dashed side, but you must not cross the stop line ahead.
I remember last year when I was driving in the city, I came across a section of double yellow dashed lines. Seeing others making U-turns, I followed suit, only to be caught by a camera and fined 200 yuan with 1 point deducted. The traffic police later explained that while double yellow dashed lines theoretically allow crossing under safe conditions, making a U-turn requires specific permission signals at the intersection. Most of the time, it's considered a violation as it can easily obstruct straight-moving traffic and pose accident risks. My lesson learned: don’t rely on gut feelings—first check for any no-U-turn signs or choose safer designated U-turn spots. I recommend new drivers download traffic apps to check real-time road conditions and study the rules to avoid unnecessary trouble. Now, I never make U-turns recklessly; following the rules diligently gives me peace of mind.
When I first started learning to drive, I loved challenging the rules. Making a U-turn at double yellow dashed lines felt cool, but one emergency brake almost caused a collision with an oncoming truck, which still gives me chills. After consulting experienced drivers, I learned this is actually a traffic violation, usually punishable by a fine of 150 to 200 yuan and around 1 demerit point. The reason is that double yellow dashed lines are designed to separate directions, and U-turns there can easily obstruct visibility, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or wrong-way driving. If a police officer is present at the intersection, you might even get an on-the-spot warning. Now, I’m more cautious—I only make U-turns at green lights or designated spots to avoid impulsive driving. Safety comes first; don’t let a fine ruin your mood.
