Is it a violation to cross the line when turning right?
3 Answers
Turning right and crossing the solid line is considered a traffic violation, as this behavior often leads to minor traffic accidents. However, since most cases are not intentional violations, traffic authorities have decided to temporarily refrain from penalizing such actions and have set a grace period. After the grace period ends, an official announcement will be made to the public, and penalties will be enforced. There are two scenarios for crossing the solid line: 1. Crossing the line while driving; 2. Stopping with the wheels on the line. Driving over the line refers to straddling two lanes while moving, while stopping on the line means the vehicle's wheels are on or over the lane divider when stationary. If caught by traffic police manually or by electronic surveillance, corresponding penalties will be applied.
As an experienced driver with nearly a decade behind the wheel, I can share my perspective on whether crossing the line during a right turn constitutes a traffic violation. Generally speaking, driving over lane markings is considered a traffic offense, especially when making a right turn over solid or double yellow lines, which are more likely to be caught by traffic police or surveillance cameras. Traffic regulations clearly state that crossing solid lines constitutes illegal lane changing or lane intrusion, punishable by 3 penalty points and a 200 RMB fine. Even crossing dashed lines may be deemed a violation if it disrupts normal traffic flow. I recommend checking lane positioning before turning and keeping your vehicle centered within the lane to avoid tickets and potential accidents. In fact, crossing lines during turns isn't just about traffic violations - it significantly increases the risk of colliding with pedestrians or cyclists on sidewalks. Developing standardized driving habits, slowing down in advance, and anticipating turning angles are crucial - safety always comes first. After all, penalty points and fines are minor compared to the regret of causing an accident.
When I was learning to drive, I was very interested in traffic rules, and the issue of crossing lines is worth discussing. Whether crossing the line during a right turn is a violation mainly depends on the line type: crossing solid or yellow lines is definitely a violation, and the traffic management system will automatically capture and process it; crossing dashed lines may not result in penalty points if a lane change is necessary, but try to avoid crossing lines during turns, otherwise it will be considered as not driving in the designated lane. Nowadays, there are many cameras in the city, and you might get caught off guard. I’ve heard of a friend who was fined for crossing a solid line during a turn—it was so unfair. The correct approach is to slow down before turning to ensure the vehicle is centered and not rush the turn. This not only prevents fines but also reduces the impact of vehicle sway on other road users. Extending this, crossing lines during left turns is even more dangerous, and new drivers should pay special attention. Following the rules can save a lot of trouble.
