How Many Points and Fines for Driving the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street?

[JasmineAnn]

Driving the wrong way on a one-way street is considered driving against traffic, which incurs a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan and a deduction of 3 points. Below is additional relevant information: 1. Several scenarios of driving against traffic: On roads with solid dividing lines, vehicles entering the opposite lane are considered driving against traffic. This includes double solid lines and single solid lines, which must never be crossed under any circumstances. On roads with dashed dividing lines, vehicles may change lanes to overtake if it is safe to do so, but in the event of an accident, the vehicle changing lanes will be deemed to be driving against traffic. On roads marked with one-way signs, any vehicle entering is considered to be driving against traffic. 2. Basis for penalties: According to the 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' failing to follow prohibited line markings will result in a 3-point deduction. This includes the following situations: Prohibited line markings include yellow single or double solid lines, as well as no-turn, no-straight, or no-U-turn signs.

[Floyd]

Last time my friend got caught entering a one-way street and was directly penalized with 3 demerit points and a 200 yuan fine, which was quite painful. Actually, penalties vary across regions. For example, Shanghai is particularly strict—going against traffic or entering during prohibited hours almost guarantees demerit points. In some smaller cities, you might only get fined without losing points, but it's best not to gamble on that. The key is to recognize the blue circular sign with a white arrow—once you see it, don't charge in. If you do get caught, you can usually check the record on the 12123 app within about 15 days. With surveillance cameras being so sharp these days, if you take a wrong turn, it's best to find a safe spot to make a U-turn immediately. Forcing your way through is definitely not worth it.

[LeLyla]

I've specifically checked the regulations. There are mainly two types of violations on one-way streets: driving against the traffic flow is considered 'wrong-way driving,' which incurs 3 penalty points and a 200 yuan fine; entering during prohibited hours is classified as 'violating prohibition signs.' Previously, it was 3 points, but under the new regulations, it's now reduced to 1 point, though the fine remains between 100 to 200 yuan. Some cities are particularly strict, like Hangzhou, where mobile enforcement vehicles are deployed at one-way street intersections—getting caught is just like being snapped by a traffic camera. If you have doubts about the ticket, remember to promptly review the footage and appeal at the traffic police station, though the success rate isn't high. It's advisable to keep your phone navigation on with real-time traffic alerts, as many one-way street changes are updated faster on navigation apps than on road signs.

[LaRosalie]

After more than ten years of driving, I've summarized some experience: A blue background with a white arrow indicates a one-way sign, and don't force your way through a red circle no-entry sign either. Last year during a trip to Qingdao, I mistakenly entered a one-way street. Although I wasn't caught on camera, it was quite a scare. A traffic police friend told me that one-way street enforcement mainly relies on electronic police at intersections and induction loops, with some places even using AI to recognize traffic flow direction. If you're forced into a one-way street by mistake (for example, squeezed in by a large vehicle), immediately turn on your hazard lights, pull over, and call to report it—you might avoid a fine. Don't underestimate this violation; obstructing traffic during peak hours could also lead to being rear-ended by the car behind you.