Can you change lanes at traffic light dotted lines?
2 Answers
Dotted lines allow lane changes, but you cannot arbitrarily change lanes from dotted lines to solid lines. Below are relevant explanations: Changing multiple lanes at once: This refers to the illegal act of continuously changing lanes and cutting in before intersections. According to safety operation standards, drivers are prohibited from continuously changing lanes. If absolutely necessary, after the first lane change, they should carefully observe before proceeding with a second lane change. Changing lanes suddenly without turn signals: Since vehicles on national and provincial highways travel at relatively high speeds, drivers should always use turn signals or other means to alert surrounding vehicles before executing any lane change maneuvers.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I understand this concern. The dashed lane markings at traffic lights indicate that lane changes are permitted, as they signify the line can be crossed, which is perfectly legal according to traffic regulations. However, safety must always come first! I've personally witnessed instances where drivers changing lanes at a green light dashed line, either failing to use their turn signals or check their mirrors, nearly colliding with vehicles behind them. The key is to observe the traffic light status: if it's green, ensure you have enough space to change lanes safely; at a red light, you must stop behind the stop line to avoid blocking the intersection. I've also seen novice drivers panic and force lane changes, causing congestion or even accidents. My advice is to prepare early for lane changes before reaching the traffic lights, signal for at least 3 seconds, and thoroughly observe surrounding vehicles, including easily overlooked ones like electric scooters. If traffic is heavy, it's better to take a detour than risk a forced lane change. The essence of safe driving lies in anticipation and patience—don't let dashed lines become lines of danger.
