Will You Be Caught on Camera for Making a U-Turn Over a Single Yellow Line?
2 Answers
If you make a U-turn over a single yellow dashed line without affecting the normal flow of traffic, you will not be caught on camera. However, making a U-turn over a single yellow solid line will be captured and is considered a traffic violation. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," violators will be fined 200 yuan and receive 3 penalty points. Generally, on long roads, there are white solid lines, dashed lines, or yellow solid and dashed lines in the middle section or before intersections. U-turns are not allowed over any solid lines. Permissible U-turn situations: Intersections with U-turn signs: If there is a clear U-turn sign at an intersection, you can make a U-turn. If there is a U-turn traffic light, you must follow its instructions. If there is no traffic light, you should make a U-turn based on the specific situation, ensuring it does not interfere with other vehicles or pedestrians. Intersections without explicit "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" signs: If there is no clear prohibition, you can make a U-turn. "No explicit prohibition" means the intersection lacks signs like "No U-Turn," "No Left Turn," or a solid center line. In such cases, you can safely make a U-turn. U-turns over yellow grid lines: Yellow grid lines are no-parking zones, typically marked at intersections prone to congestion due to temporary stops, entrances of important facilities, or other necessary locations. Parking on these grid lines (including waiting at traffic lights) is a violation. Although stopping is prohibited in yellow grid zones, U-turns are allowed unless there is a central barrier. In such cases, the grid line is equivalent to "U-turn permitted." Intersections with U-turn traffic lights: This is straightforward—if there is a U-turn traffic light, you must wait for the green light to proceed. Simultaneous "No Left Turn" and "U-Turn Permitted" signs: U-turns are allowed even if left turns are prohibited. However, "No U-Turn" is not the same as "No Left Turn." Precautions when making a U-turn at intersections: Observe road markings—U-turns are never allowed over solid lines, regardless of the situation. Continue driving until you find a suitable spot. If there is a "No Left Turn" sign, even without a "No U-Turn" sign, U-turns are not allowed at that intersection because the actions for left turns and U-turns are similar—a U-turn always involves a left turn first. U-turns must be made from the innermost left-turn lane. If you are in the second left-turn lane, you cannot make a U-turn at that intersection. Always yield to oncoming traffic when making a U-turn. If you interfere with their right of way, you will bear full responsibility for any accidents. Near intersection stop lines, lanes often have guiding arrows. Not all leftmost lanes have left-turn arrows—some may have straight arrows. Even without explicit "No U-Turn" signs, U-turns are not permitted in such lanes. U-turns must not be made on pedestrian crosswalks, as this is also a traffic violation.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I'd remind you whether making a U-turn over a single yellow line will be captured depends on the line type and location. If it's a solid line area, especially at traffic light intersections or places with yellow grid lines, cameras will definitely snap you. Last year, a friend of mine made a solid-line U-turn downtown and got a ticket within three days. Dashed lines are somewhat better, but not completely safe either - some sections enforce strictly during rush hours. The key is checking for traffic cameras around, particularly those with flashlights. Getting caught means 3 penalty points and a 200-yuan fine. The safest approach is obeying traffic rules. If you must make a U-turn, find dashed line sections or clearly marked intersection areas - don't risk it for minor convenience.
