Can you change lanes when there are sawtooth lines on both sides of the dotted line?
3 Answers
On highways, you can change lanes when there are sawtooth lines on both sides of the dotted line, as they are designed to encourage slower driving. Purpose of sawtooth lines: The sawtooth lines on highways are essentially speed reduction markings, which can be categorized into transverse and longitudinal markings. Their function is quite straightforward: these sawtooth dotted lines create an optical illusion of pressure for drivers when traveling at high speeds, prompting them to instinctively reduce their speed in advance. Such markings are also commonly placed in accident-prone areas ahead. Driving precautions: If the speed reduction markings are accompanied by dotted lines, lane changes are permitted. However, if they are accompanied by solid lines, lane changes are prohibited. Upon entering a section with sawtooth speed reduction lines, drivers should consciously reduce their speed. Additionally, speed cameras are often installed nearby to monitor for speeding violations. All drivers should pay attention to safe driving practices.
As someone who frequently drives in urban areas, I've encountered many road sections with sawtooth markings. These zigzag lines are actually longitudinal deceleration markings, primarily serving as a reminder to exercise extra caution when driving through these areas. They themselves have no relation to lane separation. The key is to observe the centerline between lanes – if it's a dashed line, lane changing is permitted, but absolutely not if it's a solid line. However, special attention is needed as sawtooth markings typically appear in accident-prone sections like highway exits, sharp curves, or tunnel entrances. Even when lane changing is allowed, you must stay fully alert, use your turn signals in advance, and ensure it's safe behind you. Last time when I was driving through a highway ramp, I saw many novice drivers confused by these rules, nearly causing side-swipes. So understanding the meaning of road markings is crucial.
Having driven for over a decade and encountered all kinds of road conditions, I've seen this kind of marking quite often. The sawtooth lines painted next to the dashed lines mainly serve as a visual reminder, prompting you to voluntarily reduce speed without affecting the lane-changing rules. Whether you can change lanes depends solely on whether the center line is dashed; the sawtooth lines themselves don't alter this rule. However, I must remind you that sections with sawtooth lines usually have complex traffic flows, such as near schools or before intersections, making lane changes more dangerous. Once during rainy weather, I encountered this situation and nearly caused an accident while changing lanes because the rearview mirror wasn't clear. I suggest always observing three times before changing lanes: first check the rearview mirror, then turn your head to check the blind spot, and don't rush to turn the steering wheel.
