Can You Change Lanes in a Variable Lane?
3 Answers
Variable lanes allow lane changes. Definition of Variable Lanes: Variable lanes are primarily set up for sections where traffic is concentrated during peak hours but has fewer lanes, or where there is a significant difference in traffic flow between morning and evening peak hours. These lanes can change the direction of travel. Purpose of Variable Lanes: The purpose of setting up variable lanes is to address the vehicle flow at intersections severely affected by tidal phenomena. In simpler terms, during morning peak hours at an intersection, the flow of straight-moving traffic is heavier, while during evening peak hours, the flow of left-turning traffic is heavier. This difference in traffic flow between morning and evening peak hours is known as the tidal phenomenon.
You can definitely drive in variable lanes, but it depends on the situation! I commute through two variable lanes every day, and the key is to keep an eye on the electronic signs directly above the lane: if it shows a straight arrow, you can only go straight; if it shows a left-turn arrow, you can only turn left. The zigzag lines on the ground are there to remind you that the lane function may change, not to indicate that crossing the line is prohibited. The worst is getting stuck in the middle of the road when the signal switches, so you need to pay attention to the signs within 300 meters of the intersection and judge the lane function in advance. Once, during heavy rain, the indicator malfunctioned, causing a dozen cars to get tangled up at the intersection. Later, I learned that in such cases, you should follow the rules of conventional lanes. Traffic police have reminded that if you accidentally enter a variable lane, you must drive according to the current indicator—forcing a lane change is even more dangerous.
I've been driving for ride-hailing services for three years and encounter variable lanes daily. Simply put, they allow lane changes but must follow real-time instructions. From 7-9 AM, this lane is left-turn only—go straight and you'll get flashed. During evening rush hour, it becomes a straight-only lane. Newbies often make two mistakes: either they're too scared to enter the sawtooth-marked area, or they rigidly follow navigation without checking the indicator lights. Last week, a passenger I picked up slammed on the brakes to change lanes in a variable lane due to delayed navigation and got rear-ended. A reminder to all: navigation doesn’t update lane status in real time—always check the electronic sign before crossing an intersection. A traffic police friend told me enforcement here is stricter than regular lanes—one wrong move costs 3 points and 200 yuan.
