Can You Change Lanes in a Tidal Flow Lane?
2 Answers
Double yellow dashed tidal flow lanes cannot be changed at will. The double yellow dashed lines of tidal flow lanes are not the same as the yellow dashed lines on ordinary roads; they are lane division markings used to distinguish, separate, and indicate tidal flow lanes. The double yellow dashed lines on both sides of tidal flow lanes primarily serve to mark and indicate the lanes. When driving in a tidal flow lane, pay attention to the following points to avoid traffic violations: Check the signs—there will be signs at the entrance of tidal flow lanes. Before entering, make sure to read the instructions on the signs carefully to avoid violations. Observe the traffic lights—tidal flow lanes have dedicated traffic lights, which are in the same row as the main road traffic lights but indicate different routes. You can only proceed when the traffic light turns green; driving is prohibited when other signals are lit, so drivers must be cautious to avoid violations. Note the operating hours—most tidal flow lanes have specified opening times, such as during morning rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM) or evening rush hours (6:00 PM–8:00 PM). The direction of traffic in tidal flow lanes is usually opposite, and driving into them outside the designated hours is not allowed. No U-turns—if drivers do not follow the designated direction, they may be captured by cameras and fined 100 yuan with 3 penalty points. Specifications and origins of tidal flow lanes: Tidal flow lanes are mainly set up on roads with obvious tidal traffic phenomena, meaning there are specific peak traffic hours. During peak hours, there is a significant difference in traffic flow between directions—one direction has heavy traffic, while the opposite lane has lighter traffic. To alleviate congestion on the busier side, tidal flow lanes are set up in the opposite lane during peak hours, allowing vehicles to use the opposite lane. Implementation methods: Traffic police can manually adjust lane directions using remote controls for variable lane signs based on real-time road conditions. Traffic monitoring centers can observe road conditions and remotely control signage displays. For intersections with networked signal systems, automatic identification and adjustment can be performed.
As an urban driver with years of experience, I believe lane changing on tidal flow lanes requires extra caution. These lanes are designed to ease peak-hour traffic, with directions shifting based on signals—when the light changes, everyone must adjust accordingly. Making abrupt lane changes, especially during heavy traffic, significantly increases collision risks. I've witnessed numerous minor accidents caused this way. High traffic volume combined with considerable speed means improper lane changes disrupt flow and create congestion. The general rule is: stay in your tidal lane unless explicitly permitted to change (e.g., by green arrows or signage at certain intersections). Safety first—stay alert to signals and surrounding vehicles. This protects you while promoting smooth shared road usage.
