Can You Cross the Solid Line if the Car in Front Breaks Down at a Traffic Light Intersection?
2 Answers
You can cross the solid line if the car in front breaks down at a traffic light intersection. If you receive a violation notice for crossing the solid line due to the car in front breaking down, you should immediately file an appeal at the vehicle management office. Traffic police will review the on-site footage to determine if it was a special circumstance. Once verified, the violation record will be revoked. Methods for Handling Traffic Violations: Traffic Police Violation Handling Window: Bring your vehicle registration, driver's license, and ID to the traffic police violation handling window. Bank Processing: Take the violation notice issued by the traffic police to the designated bank to pay the fine. Payment must be made using a bank card under the vehicle owner's name. Online Vehicle Management Office: Register and process the violation on the local online vehicle management website. Alipay Processing: More regions in China now support violation sharing and cross-region processing. First, check if the online banking payment service can handle cross-region violations. If possible, proceed directly. Traffic Violation Appeal Process: Visit the violation handling window at the vehicle management office; submit your vehicle registration, driver's license, ID, and other documents, and receive the violation penalty decision; appeal to the staff and fill out the administrative reconsideration application form; bring the application form, penalty decision, driver's license, vehicle registration, ID, and other documents to the local public security department to submit the application; after the appeal is accepted, the traffic management department will re-examine the violation and penalty and provide a response and corresponding measures within seven working days; if unsatisfied with the reconsideration result, you may file a lawsuit.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I can confirm that changing lanes at a solid line intersection when the car ahead breaks down is permissible, but must be done with absolute caution. Traffic regulations clearly state that encountering obstacles such as a stalled vehicle allows for lane changes over solid lines to avoid blockage, which would otherwise cause greater congestion. The key is to first activate hazard lights as a warning, then check the rearview mirror and the side rear area to ensure no other vehicles are approaching before making a slow turn. I also advise everyone to carry a dash cam; in case of being flagged for a violation by traffic cameras, it can serve as evidence for an appeal. Remember, intersections are complex—reckless lane changes can lead to collisions or fines. Safety comes first, so don’t rush. If the car ahead remains stationary for an extended period, offering assistance or calling the police are also good solutions. In short, apply rules flexibly to prevent minor issues from escalating into major accidents.
