How many points are deducted for making an immediate U-turn after driving in the wrong direction on the highway?
3 Answers
Drivers who make an immediate U-turn after driving in the wrong direction on the highway will have 12 points deducted and will also be subject to a fine. If you realize you've missed an exit while driving, it is recommended not to drive in the wrong direction. Instead, continue driving to the nearest exit or service area. Near the exit toll booth, there is usually a designated U-turn exit for drivers who have taken the wrong route. You can return to the highway from this point and find the appropriate lane using the directional signs. If you see a service area, look for the connecting tunnel in the middle. Simply drive through the connecting tunnel to enter the opposite service area. This can help save on highway tolls for the extra distance traveled, as long as the car remains within the highway's internal loop, round trips will not be charged. Other traffic violations on the highway include: Speeding, driving in the emergency lane, lingering on the guide lines for an extended period, and covering the license plate number.
As a veteran long-distance driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed too many highway tragedies. Last winter, I saw a BMW driver who missed an exit attempt to make an illegal U-turn by driving against traffic, only to be crushed into scrap metal by an oncoming truck. The police officer handling the accident sighed deeply, explaining that such violations result in an immediate 12-point license deduction plus a 2,000 yuan fine. More critically, with highway speeds exceeding 100 km/h, attempting reverse maneuvers is essentially gambling with lives. My advice: install navigation to check signs early. If you miss an exit, stay calm - driving to the next exit might cost you an extra half hour at most. Remember, retaking your driving license requires three full months. Is that worth the risk? Safe driving remains the shortest route home.
I've handled hundreds of highway violation cases and can responsibly tell you that reversing on the highway and then making a U-turn constitutes dual offenses. According to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Law, reversing directly results in a 3-point deduction, and forcibly making a U-turn adds another 1-point deduction. More importantly, this behavior triggers the dangerous driving clause, with a combined penalty totaling a non-negotiable 12-point deduction, and fines ranging between 2000 to 5000 yuan. Last month, there was a case where the individual not only had their driver's license revoked but also faced criminal liability for causing an accident. I advise every driver to develop good habits: check navigation prompts in advance to avoid last-minute lane changes. If you really miss an exit, drive past the service area and seek help from traffic police—never gamble with your life.
