Is it a violation if the front wheels cross the solid line but the rear wheels don't?
3 Answers
Generally, crossing or driving over solid lines during driving is considered a traffic violation. However, it is not a violation if you cross the line to yield to emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, or engineering rescue vehicles performing urgent tasks. For example: Both single and double solid yellow lines are prohibited markings. Crossing or driving over these lines during driving is illegal. Article 90 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states that motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road traffic rules shall be given a warning or fined. If there are other provisions in this law, penalties shall be imposed in accordance with those provisions. Below is relevant information: Single solid yellow line: In areas with low traffic volume and narrow roads, a single solid yellow line may be installed to separate opposing traffic flows. Vehicles from both directions are prohibited from crossing or driving over the single solid yellow line. Doing so may lead to collisions with oncoming vehicles and result in a fine and 3 penalty points. Double solid yellow lines: Double solid yellow lines are usually installed on major roads with high traffic volume to separate opposing traffic flows. Vehicles from both directions are also prohibited from crossing or driving over double solid yellow lines. Violators will be fined and receive 3 penalty points. Making a U-turn by crossing double solid yellow lines will result in a fine and 3 penalty points.
I've been a driving instructor for many years and have seen many cases where students drove with their front wheels over the solid line while the rear wheels didn't cross, resulting in penalty points. This situation counts as a traffic violation. Because traffic rules clearly state that solid lines must not be crossed, whether it's the front or rear wheels. If traffic cameras capture your front tires touching the solid line, the police will determine that you've crossed the line or made an illegal lane change, resulting in an immediate fine—usually around 100 yuan and 1 penalty point. I've also encountered students being photographed crossing solid white lines at traffic light intersections. So my advice is: don't drive too close to solid lines; maintain a safe distance. If you accidentally cross the line, correct it immediately—don't wait for the police to come after you. Develop good habits by looking ahead at road signs and markings to avoid these troubles.
Last time I was chatting with some car enthusiasts about traffic violation experiences, and I mentioned how my front wheels crossed the solid line while the rear wheels didn't. I've habitually crossed solid lines a few times during long drives, originally thinking it didn't count as a violation. It wasn't until I received the ticket that I regretted it. The traffic police explained that solid lines are like invisible walls - any part of the vehicle crossing them constitutes a violation, and the camera only needs to capture the front wheel position as evidence. Different types of solid lines, whether yellow or white, are treated the same. The fine is minor, but the demerit points have serious consequences - accumulating enough within a year could lead to license suspension. When teaching my child to drive, I remind them to pay attention to wheel position, avoid distractions like chatting or looking at phones, and to slow down when approaching solid line areas for safety.
