Is it a traffic violation to make a right turn from the far-right straight lane?
2 Answers
Making a right turn from the far-right straight lane constitutes a traffic violation of not driving in the designated lane. However, if it is a combined straight and right-turn lane, then making a right turn is not considered a violation. Relevant regulations: Driving a motor vehicle on a highway without following the designated lane will result in a 3-point deduction and a fine. Driving a motor vehicle on an urban expressway without following the designated lane will also result in a 3-point deduction and a fine. Driving a motor vehicle on roads other than highways or urban expressways without following the designated lane will result in a fine. Other traffic rules: When making a left turn, turn from the left side of the intersection center point. Turn on the turn signal when turning, and use low beams when driving at night; proceed in order when the signal permits; stop in order beyond the stop line when the signal stops. If there is no stop line, stop beyond the intersection; when making a right turn and encountering a vehicle in the same lane waiting for the signal, stop and wait in order; at intersections without directional signal lights, turning motor vehicles must yield to straight-moving vehicles and pedestrians. Right-turning vehicles from the opposite direction must yield to left-turning vehicles.
Having driven for many years, I always emphasize safety first. Turning right from the rightmost straight lane is absolutely a traffic violation because the lane markings clearly indicate it's for straight-through traffic only. Forcing a turn can disrupt traffic flow and is likely to be caught by cameras, resulting in fines. I've witnessed a real-life case: at a traffic light intersection in the city, a driver suddenly turned right from a straight lane and collided with an electric scooter coming straight behind, causing a minor injury accident. Traffic rules are crystal clear—this kind of violation not only incurs demerit points and fines but also endangers pedestrian safety. It's advisable to plan your route before driving and change to the right-turn lane several hundred meters in advance; don't make last-minute directional changes, as that only creates chaos. Developing law-abiding habits will make you more confident and safer on the road.