
Variable lanes can be used for right turns. When driving in a variable lane, you must pay attention, otherwise you may violate traffic rules. Signage: After entering a variable lane, you must follow the directional signs. There are usually overhead signs indicating whether to turn left, turn right, or go straight. If the sign indicates going straight, you must proceed straight and cannot make a U-turn. Time: Sometimes, there are also signs on both sides of the road. The permitted direction of travel in variable lanes may vary at different times, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Occasionally, the permitted direction in the morning is the opposite of that in the evening. If you do not follow the designated direction, you may end up driving against traffic, which can result in both demerit points and fines.

When driving, I often encounter variable lanes, which are those with electronic signs that change direction. They can be used for right turns, but you absolutely must check the real-time display. If the electronic screen shows a right-turn arrow, it's completely fine; but if it shows a left turn or straight ahead, you must not turn right, or you might get caught violating traffic rules or cause an accident. I've encountered this at intersections in Beijing—during peak hours, it changes to a straight lane, and you have to detour to turn right, or else you'll face trouble. The key is to develop the habit of not relying on memory—signals can change at any time, especially during morning and evening rush hours. If you miss the indication, don’t panic; just make a slow U-turn or wait for an opportunity. This affects overall traffic flow—following the rules saves time and ensures safety. I recommend that beginners drive through different intersections a few times to get familiar with their dynamic changes.

From a traffic planning perspective, variable lane design aims to optimize flow and adapt to peak-hour variations. It can be configured with right-turn functionality: as long as the electronic display indicates right turns are permitted, drivers may proceed normally; otherwise, they are prohibited. For instance, some intersections may ban right turns during morning rush hours to prioritize straight-through traffic for faster flow. However, caution is required: ignoring signals could lead to mistakenly entering opposing traffic or causing blockages, resulting in greater delays. In practice, intersection location plays a role; variable lanes in urban centers may change directions more frequently, while suburban ones might remain static. Overall, it is an efficient and practical solution but demands high driver alertness to display instructions.

Key Points for Safe Driving: Can You Turn Right in a Variable Lane? It Only Depends on the Current Signal. If the electronic sign shows a right-turn arrow, go ahead; if not or there's a prohibition sign, absolutely not. Otherwise, the risk is high: such as abruptly cutting into the wrong lane, easily causing rear-end or side collisions. Beginners need to practice keeping an eye on the signals, not relying on intuition. Simple action: slow down, approach carefully, and confirm before proceeding. Following the rules ensures safety.


