How Many Points Are Deducted for Wrong-Way Driving?

[TaylorLee]

Wrong-way driving due to taking a wrong turn results in a 3-point deduction. Definition of Wrong-Way Driving for Motor Vehicles: If a motor vehicle or non-motor vehicle drives on the left side of the road, it is considered wrong-way driving. In China, motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles are required to drive on the right side of the road. Violators will be penalized with point deductions and fines. 12-Point Deduction: Reversing, wrong-way driving, or making a U-turn across the central divider on a highway will result in a 12-point deduction. Penalties: Penalties for traffic violations include warnings, fines (vehicle impoundment), temporary suspension of the driver's license, revocation of the driver's license, cancellation of the driver's license, administrative detention, and criminal liability for offenses that constitute a crime.

[DeMaya]

Once while driving in an unfamiliar city, my navigation lagged by half a beat, causing me to mistakenly turn into the wrong lane and enter oncoming traffic, which was immediately caught by a traffic camera. I was so scared that my palms were sweating. Later, I received a notice: 3 points deducted and a 200 yuan fine. The traffic regulations clearly state that driving against traffic on ordinary roads results in a 3-point penalty, while doing so on a highway would cost all 12 points at once. The scariest part is the safety hazard—if a car comes from the opposite direction, it’s almost certain to result in a head-on collision, with an extremely high accident probability. Now, every time I approach an unfamiliar intersection, I slow down 300 meters in advance and repeatedly check the road signs, arrows, and ground markings. If you take a wrong turn, never persist in the mistake—immediately turn on your hazard lights, pull over to a safe spot, and replan your route. It’s a hundred times better than stubbornly driving against traffic. Losing points and paying fines are minor issues—your life is your own.

[VonDominic]

Having driven for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous accidents caused by taking wrong turns. Let me highlight the penalty standards: According to the new traffic regulations, driving against traffic on regular urban roads or non-highway sections (e.g., entering opposing lanes by mistake) results in 3 penalty points plus a 200 RMB fine. However, if this occurs on highways or urban expressways, the violation becomes far more severe—directly incurring 12 penalty points. I advise drivers to develop the habit of anticipation: check lane guidance on navigation maps before turning and pay attention to directional arrows at intersections. If you do end up driving the wrong way, don't panic—immediately turn on hazard lights, safely stop, then reverse or detour instead of continuing forward. Last year, a friend of mine collided with a truck while driving against traffic, costing nearly 10,000 RMB in repairs—a classic case of the gain not worth the loss.

[DelAnderson]

As a new driver, I learned this lesson the hard way last month. I took a wrong turn at a roundabout and got caught on camera when my wheels crossed the opposing lane line. Later, I checked traffic regulations and found that driving against traffic on regular roads results in a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. Thankfully, it wasn't on the highway, or I would have had to retake the written test. Now I've wised up – I always slow down and check before turning: first glance at the left rearview mirror to confirm no vehicles behind, then check road markings to avoid crossing lines. If using navigation, I listen for voice prompts 50 meters in advance to prepare for lane changes. From a safety perspective, the biggest danger of wrong-way driving is blind spots, especially with poor visibility at night when suddenly appearing electric scooters from the opposite direction leave no time to react.

[LydiaFitz]

Just checked the latest traffic regulations to share: Taking a wrong turn leading to driving against traffic on regular roads results in a 3-point deduction and a 200 yuan fine; if it occurs on highways or expressways, it's an immediate 12-point deduction plus a hefty fine. Many people don't understand the difference between driving against traffic and regular violations—it's extremely hazardous, essentially creating traffic accident risks proactively. Once, I took a wrong turn while drowsy driving late at night and almost collided with a sanitation truck—still gives me chills thinking about it. The solution is simple: Develop a habit of triple-checking at intersections: first look at the road signs, then the traffic lights, and finally glance at the rearview mirror. Installing a dashcam is also helpful; it can serve as evidence for appeal if wrongly penalized.

[OSophia]

Last week, a colleague was fined for this, so I did some research. According to current regulations, mistakenly entering the opposite lane while turning is considered driving against traffic. On regular roads, it results in a 3-point deduction, while on highways, it’s a full 12-point deduction. The fine starts at at least 200 yuan. Many underestimate its danger: at an average speed of 30 km/h, the impact force of driving against traffic is equivalent to falling from a building, and airbags may not even help. When driving, I stick to two principles: never rush a yellow light to turn (easy to panic and make mistakes) and never follow large vehicles too closely (blocks view of road signs). I recommend installing a navigation device with lane departure warning—it beeps when you go the wrong way. Also, in insurance terms, accidents caused by driving against traffic usually don’t cover the deductible, meaning repair costs come out of your own pocket.