Is Changing Lanes Within an Intersection a Traffic Violation?

[Bentley]

Whether changing lanes within an intersection constitutes a traffic violation depends on whether the solid lane line has been crossed. If the lane change occurs after crossing the solid lane line, it is not considered a violation. Below are the penalties for illegal lane changes: 1. Highway lane change penalty: Driving a motor vehicle on a highway without following the designated lane will result in a penalty of 3 demerit points and a fine of 50 yuan. 2. Urban expressway penalty: Driving a motor vehicle on an urban expressway without following the designated lane will result in a penalty of 3 demerit points and a fine of 50 yuan. 3. Other road penalties: Driving a motor vehicle on roads other than highways or urban expressways without following the designated lane will result in a penalty of no demerit points but a fine of 50 yuan.

[Jesse]

I've studied traffic regulations for many years, and changing lanes within an intersection is indeed a violation in most places. Traffic laws clearly stipulate that vehicles must not change lanes arbitrarily at intersections, as these areas have dense traffic and multiple directions, making reckless lane changes prone to causing rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents. From a safety perspective, intersections are convergence points for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles. If you brake suddenly while changing lanes, the car behind might not react in time, leading to trouble. When driving, I always remind myself to plan my route in advance, choosing the correct lane about 100 meters before the intersection, rather than making sudden moves when the light turns green. If you must change lanes due to a navigation error, do so with extra caution: slow down, signal, check mirrors, and ensure safety. But it's best to develop habits that minimize such emergencies—safety first, after all.

[Lisa]

As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've witnessed too many troubles caused by lane changes at intersections. That time at a city intersection, a car suddenly squeezed from the straight lane into the left-turn lane, forcing me to brake hard and nearly causing an accident. Later, I checked the data – traffic police reports show such lane changes frequently cause accidents because they disrupt normal traffic flow and double the risk by shortening safe distances. I believe the legal prohibition is justified – for everyone's safety, don't cause chaos at intersections. We should adjust our position 100-200 meters in advance, using turn signals to alert following vehicles. If you must change lanes, first ensure no vehicles are approaching from adjacent lanes. Remember, safe driving not only protects yourself but also avoids creating hazards for others. One wrong decision could lead to disaster.

[LeHannah]

Once I was changing lanes at an intersection and almost got rear-ended, which scared me to death. The light had just turned green, and I was in a hurry to switch from the right lane to the left, but the car behind me slammed on its brakes and honked, making my heart race. Later, during driving lessons, my instructor emphasized that this is considered a traffic violation, as changing lanes at intersections can easily cause accidents. Now, I only choose my lane well in advance and never make sudden moves at intersections. Experience has taught me that driving should be steady, not rushed. Every time I approach a crossroads, I slow down and check the lane markings.