Can the express lane on the highway be used for prolonged driving?

[MacJaxon]

The express lane on the highway should not be used for prolonged driving. The primary purpose of the express lane is to allow faster vehicles from behind to overtake. If a vehicle occupies the overtaking lane for an extended period while moving at a slow speed, creating a speed differential with following vehicles, it not only hinders overtaking but also increases the risk of rear-end collisions. According to the latest traffic regulations, prolonged occupation of the overtaking lane when the right lane is unobstructed or free of incidents may result in a fine and a 3-point penalty. Details about the express lane: When there are two or more motor vehicle lanes in the same direction, the leftmost lane is designated as the express lane, and the right lane is the slow lane. Vehicles in the express lane should adhere to the specified speed limits. If a vehicle cannot maintain the required speed, it should move to the slow lane. Vehicles in the slow lane may use the express lane temporarily to overtake the vehicle in front. Speed regulations for the express lane: On highways, the maximum speed for small passenger cars is 120 km/h, for other motor vehicles is 100 km/h, and for motorcycles is 80 km/h. In a two-lane configuration in the same direction, the minimum speed for the left lane is 100 km/h. In a three or more lane configuration, the minimum speed for the leftmost lane is 110 km/h, and for the middle lane is 90 km/h. If road speed limit signs indicate speeds that differ from these lane-specific regulations, drivers must follow the posted speed limits.

[Mia]

When I was a driving instructor, I always emphasized to my students that the fast lane on the highway should never be treated as a regular lane. This lane is designed specifically for overtaking, and occupying it for extended periods is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Imagine, if a vehicle behind wants to overtake, they have to risk changing lanes from the right, which can easily lead to rear-end collisions. Recently, a small car was rear-ended by a large truck because it had been occupying the fast lane for too long, resulting in a three-car pileup. According to traffic regulations, occupying the overtaking lane beyond the allowed time can result in points deduction and fines. I recommend merging back into the middle lane as soon as possible after overtaking, as this is both the safest and most efficient way to drive.

[IsaacFitz]

Having driven long-haul freight for over a decade, I've witnessed too many reckless behaviors in the fast lane. This lane isn't meant for cruising - hogging it creates a butterfly effect: trailing vehicles are forced to overtake on the right (increasing accident risks), and overall highway throughput drops by 30%. Especially during rain/fog when the left lane pools the most water, prolonged driving there risks hydroplaning. I always return to the middle lane after passing trucks - it prevents fatigue driving and reduces surprises. Traffic flows like bloodstreams - each lane has its optimal speed.

[LeLeonardo]

Last week, while driving my daughter to college registration, I encountered an SUV occupying the fast lane for an extended period on the highway. Five or six cars behind were forced to overtake from the right, which was particularly dangerous. In fact, traffic laws clearly state: the overtaking lane is only for passing, and drivers must return to the travel lane after completing the maneuver. Prolonged occupation may result in a 3-point penalty and a 200 yuan fine. More alarmingly, there's a safety risk—the fast lane is adjacent to the central barrier, with a 40% higher probability of losing control and hitting the guardrail compared to regular lanes. Remember to check your rearview mirror after overtaking; if no cars are behind, move back to the middle lane.