How many points are deducted for driving in the wrong lane at a traffic light intersection?
3 Answers
Driving in the wrong lane at a traffic light intersection results in a deduction of three points, and a fine of varying amounts depending on the severity of the violation. Below is an introduction to the traffic rules that vehicles should follow at traffic light intersections: When the red light is on: When the red light is on at an intersection, vehicles (including bicycles, motorcycles, and electric vehicles) cannot proceed straight or turn left. If the arrow light for a right turn shows red, you cannot turn right, but if the circular light is red and there is no no-right-turn sign nearby, you may turn right. When the green light is on: When the green light is on at an intersection, proceed in the indicated direction, especially the direction indicated by the arrow light. In case of damaged traffic lights: If the traffic lights at an intersection are damaged or unclear, and there is a traffic officer directing traffic on-site, follow the instructions of the traffic officer.
I ran into this situation just the day before yesterday. I was too focused on checking my phone's navigation while driving, and only realized when the light turned green that I was in the left-turn lane but needed to go straight. You absolutely must not stubbornly proceed straight in this case—I've personally seen someone do this and get caught by traffic cameras. Typically, this offense carries a 2-point penalty and a 200-yuan fine, adjusted last year from the previous 3-point deduction. However, enforcement may vary slightly by region, with stricter checks in some cities. If you find yourself in the wrong lane, the safest approach is to continue in your current lane and circle back at the next intersection. By the way, those directional arrows on the road surface are crucial. Pay close attention to lane indicator signs about 100 meters before the intersection, and if using navigation, switch to detailed voice guidance mode in advance—it can save you a lot of trouble.
I've observed many traffic violations at intersections, and driving in the wrong lane is quite common, especially during rainy days or at night when visibility is poor. This is called failing to drive in the designated lane, and it's now generally handled according to the 2022 new regulations, with a penalty of 2 demerit points and a 200 yuan fine. However, if there's behavior like cutting in line or forcing a lane change, it can easily lead to scratches or even rear-end collisions. Just last week at an intersection, a car suddenly turned from the straight lane to the left-turn lane and was rear-ended by a truck behind. So the key issue isn't how many points are deducted, but rather paying attention to the ground markings and overhead lane signs, and choosing the correct lane at least 50 meters in advance. Elderly drivers wearing reading glasses need to be extra careful, as poor eyesight can easily lead to misreading road signs.
