Is it a violation to change lanes by slightly crossing a solid line?
3 Answers
This behavior constitutes a violation of prohibitory marking instructions and is considered illegal, resulting in penalty points. Changing lanes by crossing a solid line: The most common violation of prohibitory marking instructions is changing lanes by crossing a solid line. Single or double yellow solid lines and white solid lines all fall under prohibitory markings. During driving, whether crossing or going beyond these lines is considered illegal. Relevant regulations: Operating a motor vehicle in violation of prohibitory signs or marking instructions; operating a motor vehicle by not following the rules for overtaking or yielding, or driving in the opposite direction; operating a motor vehicle in violation of regulations for towing a trailer; all are illegal acts. Additional information: When driving on the road, if encountering special vehicles such as fire trucks performing tasks, crossing a solid line to yield to these special vehicles will not be penalized. Even if captured as a violation, the vehicle owner can appeal to the traffic department after receiving the ticket, explaining the situation at the time. The relevant department will review based on the footage of the incident and the special vehicle's route that day. If approved, the penalty can be revoked.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I must remind everyone not to underestimate the consequences of slightly crossing a solid line. Last month, while delivering goods and passing a highway exit, my front right wheel just grazed the edge of a solid line, and I was caught by an electronic eye. At the time, I thought it would only be a 1-point deduction, but the traffic police said it counted as changing lanes and affecting traffic, resulting in a direct penalty of 3 points and 200 yuan. A solid line is like a wall on the road; crossing it is considered a violation of traffic separation rules. Especially in solid line areas at intersections, changing lanes by crossing the line is particularly prone to scraping vehicles in adjacent lanes. My advice is to signal and prepare to change lanes at least 200 meters in advance. If you really miss an exit, it's better to take a detour than risk crossing the line—the extra fuel cost is much cheaper than the fine.
I just got my driver's license last year, and my instructor repeatedly emphasized that crossing solid lines is absolutely not allowed. Once on a rainy day, my rear wheel barely touched a solid line, and my instructor immediately scolded me for violating traffic rules. He said solid lines are like no-entry warning lines—even the slightest contact with your wheels counts as a violation, regardless of how much you cross. Nowadays, traffic cameras are highly sensitive; the one at the entrance of my neighborhood can even capture tire marks clearly. Although it's easy to feel flustered when you first start driving, it gets better once you develop the habit of checking mirrors before changing lanes. I recommend using a navigation app to check lane guidance in advance and waiting until your car completely passes the dashed line in the mirror before turning the steering wheel—that’s the safest approach.
