Is it a violation if the left turn is too small and the vehicle runs over the corner of the opposite solid line?
2 Answers
A left turn that is too small and results in running over the corner of the opposite solid line is not considered a violation, but it is a traffic offense. Running over the corner of the opposite solid line is a traffic offense: Due to the long wheelbase of the vehicle, the turning radius of the front wheels is different from that of the rear wheels. Therefore, when turning, the front wheels may pass through, but the rear wheels may run over the end of the solid line. In most cases, this is not a deliberate illegal act. Traffic authorities will temporarily not penalize vehicles for this behavior, which can also be referred to as a grace period. However, if it happens again during this period, penalties may be imposed. Other situations where running over a solid line does not result in penalties: When police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, or engineering rescue vehicles are performing emergency tasks, they often occupy the driving lane. To avoid such special vehicles, running over a solid line will not be penalized. Usually, there will be traffic police on-site directing traffic, and following their instructions is sufficient. If stopped by a traffic officer and instructed to drive to a certain area to park, running over a solid line during this time will not incur additional penalties.
I've been driving for ten years, and it's quite common to encounter situations where you accidentally cross the solid line when making a left turn. The solid line is a no-crossing line, and driving over it is definitely a violation. Traffic regulations clearly state that motor vehicles must not cross the central solid line or lane-division solid lines, as this constitutes illegal lane crossing, which can easily lead to accidents. I once witnessed a novice driver being caught on camera for this, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 3 penalty points. Turning too sharply might be due to steering too quickly or not aligning the car properly. It's advisable to slow down in advance when turning, glance at the rearview mirror to adjust the angle, and try to make a wider turn to stay within the lane. Developing good habits can prevent a lot of trouble, especially in cities with many traffic lights—safety should always come first.
