Can you drive over the white grid lines at intersections?
4 Answers
White grid lines on the road surface are channelizing lines and should not be driven over. According to regulations, channelizing lines mainly consist of one or several white V-shaped or diagonal stripe areas set up based on the intersection terrain, indicating that vehicles must follow the prescribed route and must not drive over or cross these lines. The following types of road lines should not be driven over: Yellow solid lines: Currently, domestic yellow solid lines come in two types—double yellow lines and single yellow lines—essentially serving as prohibition lines. They are generally used to separate opposing traffic. If a yellow solid line is in the middle of the road, whether it is a double or single yellow line, it should not be crossed. White solid lines: White solid lines are the most common road markings, used to separate lanes traveling in the same direction, helping drivers stay on their designated paths. These lines appear on urban roads and intersections, standardizing driving routes and greatly improving travel safety. Yellow grid lines: The purpose of yellow grid lines is to prohibit parking. They are most commonly found at the entrances of government buildings. Vehicles must not park arbitrarily in areas marked with yellow grid lines, as doing so can obstruct traffic flow and hinder vehicles exiting the premises. These areas are strictly for passing through, not stopping. Channelizing lines: These are V-shaped or triangular areas set up at intersections based on actual road conditions, designed to help drivers accurately determine the direction for going straight or turning right, or to serve as waiting areas for pedestrians at traffic lights. Such markings are commonly found at highway ramps, multi-forked intersections, and complex large crossroads, playing a crucial role in guiding traffic.
As a driver who frequently commutes between cities, I have firsthand experience with those white grid lines at intersections. I remember last year during rush hour in the downtown area, I was in a hurry and almost crossed the line, but I saw a driver ahead of me who stopped for less than five minutes and received a 200-yuan fine. These grid lines are strict rules designed by traffic authorities to prevent congestion: if there isn't enough space ahead for you to completely pass through, you must not enter or stop on the lines, otherwise the entire intersection could become paralyzed, preventing other vehicles from turning and potentially causing rear-end collisions. Fines range from 200 to 300 yuan, with some areas imposing penalties as high as 500 yuan. I think this not only wastes money but also increases risks. Now, before entering an intersection, I always glance at the traffic ahead and only move if there's enough space, developing good habits to make my trips smoother.
Safety first is my driving principle, and the white grid lines must never be crossed. They are placed at intersections as a core marker to maintain smooth traffic flow; stopping on them can block the entire crossing, especially during peak hours or in low visibility conditions like rain, increasing the risk of collisions. The rule clearly prohibits entering the grid area if there is no space on the other side—this isn’t just about avoiding fines (typically 100-300 RMB) but also about responsibility. I’ve experienced situations where a driver crossed the line during congestion, causing chaos at the intersection and even making it difficult for pedestrians to cross. My advice is to slow down early, observe the situation, and wait until there’s enough space before proceeding. This ensures safer and more orderly movement for everyone.
Having driven for over a decade, I find the grid line rules quite intuitive: you must not cross or stop on white grid lines. At intersections, they remind you not to proceed if there's no space ahead, otherwise you'll block traffic and risk a ticket. I've seen people argue over this. Following these rules makes the roads flow more smoothly.
