Will I get points deducted for making a U-turn on a white dashed line?
3 Answers
Making a U-turn on a white dashed line is allowed and will not result in points deduction, provided there are no signs prohibiting U-turns or left turns, or separate U-turn signal lights. Vehicles can make a U-turn as long as it does not interfere with normal traffic flow and safety is ensured. Permissible situations for U-turns: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at the intersection, a U-turn is allowed. If there is a U-turn signal light, follow its instructions. In the absence of a signal light, make the U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not obstruct other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit prohibitions: If there are no signs explicitly prohibiting U-turns or left turns, a U-turn is allowed. "No explicit prohibition" means the absence of signs like "No U-turn," "No left turn," or solid center lines, in which case you can safely make a U-turn. Yellow grid lines also allow U-turns: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, entrances of important facilities, or other designated areas. Stopping on these lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although parking is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are permitted as long as there are no central barriers—these zones are effectively "U-turn allowed" areas. Intersections with U-turn signal lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn signal light, follow it. Only proceed with the U-turn when the light is green. When "No left turn" and "U-turn allowed" signs coexist: U-turns are permitted, but left turns are prohibited. Note that "No U-turn" is not the same as "No left turn." Points to note when making a U-turn: Observe road markings: If the line is solid, U-turns are strictly prohibited under any circumstances. Continue driving until you find a suitable spot. If there is a "No left turn" sign ahead, even if "No U-turn" is not mentioned, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because U-turns inherently involve a left turn movement. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, U-turns are not permitted at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. Proceed only if it does not disrupt the flow of straight-moving vehicles; otherwise, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows indicating permitted movements. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows—if a lane has a straight arrow, U-turns are prohibited even without explicit "No U-turn" signs. Making a U-turn on a crosswalk is also a traffic violation.
I remember when I first started driving, I was quite confused about traffic signs and always wondered if making a U-turn over white dashed lines would result in penalty points. According to traffic regulations, white dashed lines generally allow you to cross lanes for a U-turn, as long as you ensure safety and don’t violate specific rules, such as no 'No U-turn' signs or traffic light restrictions. Usually, you won’t get penalized. However, if your U-turn causes an accident or blocks other vehicles, the police might penalize you with points and fines. Once, I made a smooth U-turn over dashed lines in the suburbs without any issues. But a friend of mine got 3 penalty points for doing the same in a busy downtown area because he didn’t notice a 'No U-turn' sign at the intersection. So, the key is to assess the actual situation, develop the habit of checking signs and safety conditions to avoid penalties.
Last year, I got penalized for making a U-turn near the highway, which felt quite unfair. It was at a place with white dashed lines, and I thought U-turns were allowed there. Unexpectedly, there was a temporary no-U-turn sign, and due to heavy traffic without slowing down, I ended up encountering a patrol car. They issued me a ticket, deducting 2 points and fining me 200 RMB. From that lesson, I learned one thing: white dashed lines do permit U-turns, but only safely when no other restrictions apply. If you make a U-turn at an intersection or under a 'No Left Turn/U-turn' sign, even if it's a dashed line, you're taking a risk. Always observe your surroundings carefully while driving, don’t rush like I did back then—safety first can help avoid penalties.
