How many points are deducted for driving in the wrong lane and going against traffic at an intersection?
4 Answers
For the illegal act of driving against traffic, 3 points are deducted for driving against traffic on urban roads, and 12 points are deducted for driving against traffic on highways. There is no penalty of deducting 6 points for driving against traffic. If a driver is deducted 6 points for driving against traffic, it is likely that the driver committed two illegal acts, such as making a U-turn from a side road to the main road and driving against traffic, in which case these two illegal acts result in a deduction of 6 points. Below is relevant information according to the "Road Traffic Safety Law": Article 90: If a motor vehicle driver violates the road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road traffic rules, a warning or a fine shall be imposed. If this Law provides otherwise, the penalty shall be imposed in accordance with the relevant provisions. Avoid driving in the wrong lane: Slow down before entering an intersection, observe the nearby signs or markings, and clearly understand the direction of each lane at the upcoming intersection in advance. If using a navigation system, pay attention to the navigation instructions when approaching the intersection.
I once drove the wrong way in the city and ended up going against traffic, which was caught by an electronic camera. I got 3 points deducted and was fined 200 yuan. It really depends on the specific road conditions. Going against traffic on regular city roads usually results in a 3-point deduction, but doing so on a highway is much more serious, with an immediate 12-point deduction. There was a time when I missed an exit on the highway and almost instinctively reversed, but luckily I remembered the rules and avoided making a big mistake. I suggest everyone pay more attention to lane markings and change lanes well before reaching an intersection. If you do end up going the wrong way, just continue straight to the next intersection and make a U-turn. It's better to drive a couple of extra kilometers than to take the risk.
Last week, my friend was fined 3 points for driving the wrong way after following too closely at a downtown intersection. He was completely confused at the time. Actually, going the wrong way on regular roads isn't penalized too severely, but doing so on highways results in an immediate 12-point deduction. The traffic officer mentioned that if this had happened during rush hour, it could have even caused a rear-end collision. Now when I approach intersections, I always check the lane guidance on my navigation in advance. If road markings are obscured, I look further ahead for signage. Most importantly, if you do end up in the wrong lane, never stubbornly continue the wrong way—safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for traffic to clear before correcting your direction.
According to traffic police, driving against traffic on regular roads results in a uniform penalty of 3 demerit points and a 200 yuan fine. However, doing so on highways leads to 12 demerit points and a mandatory retake of the written driving test. Once, when I was late dropping my child off at school, I almost drove against traffic at the school intersection—thinking about it afterward still gives me chills. Now, I leave ten minutes earlier every morning and carefully check the lane arrows at intersections. Especially near school zones, it’s not just about fines and demerits; if an accident happens, you’ll bear full responsibility. I recommend keeping a phone mount in your car to use navigation for early lane guidance. If you take the wrong lane, let the navigation reroute you—never gamble with safety.
