How Many Points Are Deducted for Lane Change Scrapes?
3 Answers
Lane change scrapes result in a deduction of 3 points and a fine of 200 yuan. Lane changes must not affect other vehicles: On roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes in the same direction, the vehicle changing lanes must not affect the normal driving of vehicles in the related lanes. Turn signals must be used in advance when changing lanes: When turning left, changing lanes to the left, preparing to overtake, leaving a parking spot, or making a U-turn, the left turn signal must be activated in advance. When turning right, changing lanes to the right, returning to the original lane after overtaking, or parking by the roadside, the right turn signal must be activated in advance. Regulations clearly state: when turning, changing lanes, overtaking, making a U-turn, or parking by the roadside, motor vehicles must activate the turn signal 100 to 50 meters in advance. Frequent lane changes are prohibited: Yield to vehicles in the lane being entered; drive in order and avoid frequent lane changes. Turn signals are mandatory when entering or exiting highways: When entering a highway from an on-ramp, the left turn signal must be activated, and the vehicle must merge into the lane without hindering the normal driving of vehicles already on the highway. When exiting a highway, the right turn signal must be activated, and the vehicle must enter the deceleration lane, reduce speed, and then exit.
I've been driving for almost 30 years and have seen plenty of lane-changing scratches. Generally, it results in about 3 demerit points, sometimes with an additional fine of 200 yuan. I remember once changing lanes on a suburban road without checking the blind spot, which led to a scrape with another car—demerit points and compensation. Since then, I've learned to be smarter: every time I change lanes, I signal in advance, check the rearview mirror, and turn my head to inspect the side blind spot. On highways, extra caution is needed because higher speeds mean greater risks. Developing this habit not only avoids demerit points but also reduces potential accidents. Don’t cut corners while driving; taking a few extra seconds to ensure safety keeps you safe and saves money.
When I first started learning to drive, I made a similar mistake. While changing lanes, I lightly scraped the car behind me. The traffic police handled the situation by deducting 3 points from my license and imposing a fine of 150 yuan. That lesson made me more cautious: now, every time I change lanes, I always signal for a few seconds, check the rearview mirror and the back window to ensure no cars are coming before turning the wheel. Beginners often overlook blind spots, so I recommend installing a small blind-spot monitoring mirror for assistance. On busy city roads, especially during heavy traffic, patience is key. With proper safety measures in place, you'll naturally avoid fines and troubles.
