Is going straight in a left-turn lane considered running a red light?

[GabrielaRose]

When the straight signal is red, going straight in a left-turn lane is considered running a red light and also constitutes a violation of not following the directional lane markings, resulting in penalties for both offenses. When the straight signal is green, going straight in a left-turn lane is considered a violation of not following the directional lane markings. Red light running penalty standards: According to Article 2, Section 1, Clause 2 of the "Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations," driving a motor vehicle in violation of traffic signal lights results in a deduction of 6 points. Article 3, Section 1, Clause 8 states that driving a motor vehicle in violation of prohibition signs or markings results in a deduction of 3 points. How to check for red light running violations: Common methods include the following: You can check for red light running violations through the "Traffic Management 12123" app. After opening the app, log in using your ID card, then find and click on the "Violation Handling" option. Under "Violation Handling," you can view the current status of your vehicle. If there are any violations, the specific details will be displayed. You can also check by visiting the service halls of local traffic police branches and using the touch-screen query terminals. Alternatively, log in to the external service website of your city's Public Security Bureau Traffic Management Bureau, find the "Vehicle Violation Query" section, enter your license plate number and vehicle engine number, and click "Query."

[LeJaxson]

Going straight in a left-turn lane is not considered running a red light. Running a red light means continuing to drive forward when the red light is on, while going straight in a left-turn lane is just a violation of using the wrong lane. I remember encountering this situation while driving. Many times, if you accidentally take the wrong lane, you might be caught by the camera and fined. The fine isn’t the big deal, but more importantly, there are safety risks. For example, forcing your way into a left-turn lane when going straight could block vehicles behind you that need to turn left or even cause a rear-end collision. According to traffic rules, this is called "failing to follow the designated lane," which is a violation but not classified as running a red light. To avoid this, it’s best to check the road markings and signal indications before reaching the intersection and change lanes in advance. If you accidentally get caught, don’t panic—just handle the ticket promptly. In short, stay focused while driving, use navigation reminders more often, and develop good habits—it will make a big difference.

[AubreyRose]

From experience, going straight in a left-turn lane definitely doesn't count as running a red light, because running a red light means proceeding straight or turning without stopping at a red light. This is purely a case of choosing the wrong lane. I have a driving habit of always observing surrounding traffic at intersections. Occasionally, I might make a careless mistake and take the wrong lane, but I've never been fined. However, my friend was unlucky enough to get caught on camera, paying a 200-yuan fine and losing some points. Everyone should be aware of the risks: driving like this might cause a green-light straight-going car to accelerate too quickly and rear-end you, or worsen congestion during peak hours. I recommend practicing distance judgment more often in daily driving. When you see a left-turn sign, don't charge straight ahead; correct your path in time. Additionally, some new city smart cameras have strict recognition, so check the rules before driving and minimize distractions to stay focused.

[MacSophia]

Driving straight in a left-turn lane is not called running a red light; running a red light means failing to stop at a red light. This is actually a traffic violation. Common reasons include being in a hurry or unclear road markings, leading to choosing the wrong lane. The consequence may be being caught by traffic cameras, resulting in a 2-point deduction and a fine of 100-200 yuan, depending on local regulations. Once during the morning rush hour, I made a mistake in haste and was fined, which made me more cautious afterwards. Prevention is simple: slow down at intersections and pay attention to the lane arrows. Developing this habit long-term can save you a lot of trouble.

[NathanDella]

In daily driving, going straight in a left-turn lane is not considered running a red light, but rather a violation of lane usage. I remember once during my novice stage when I mistakenly took the wrong lane—the red light was still flashing—but the officer said it fell under directional lane violation. There are many risks involved, such as easily causing side collisions or pedestrian misjudgments. To prevent this, I slow down near traffic lights, make sure to check clearly before moving, and maintain a safe distance. Developing a habit of regularly checking traffic app reminders for lane rules helps reduce the chances of fines.