Is it a violation to go straight in a turning lane?
3 Answers
Going straight in a turning lane is a violation. Below are specific details about turning lanes: 1. Intersections with left-turn signals but no U-turn signals: In the absence of no U-turn signs or dedicated U-turn signals, vehicles can make a U-turn as long as they do not interfere with normal traffic flow. The solid line of the central divider will change to a dashed line near the intersection, allowing vehicles to make a U-turn in this area. 2. No prohibition signs imply U-turn is allowed: When passing through an intersection, if there are no no left-turn or no U-turn signs, drivers do not need to pay attention to traffic light changes when making a U-turn. However, if there are signs indicating "U-turn allowed when left-turn signal is green" or "U-turn allowed when red light is on," drivers must observe the red light when making a U-turn.
Driving straight in a turning lane is definitely a traffic violation. I've seen many similar situations over the years of driving. For example, when an intersection is designed, the turning lane is specifically for a certain direction. If you force your way straight, it disrupts the entire traffic flow, and other drivers may be caught off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents. Once, I was driving with a friend who tried to save time by going straight in a right-turn lane, only to be caught by a camera, fined 200 yuan, and had points deducted—truly not worth the risk. In fact, China's Road Traffic Safety Law clearly stipulates that drivers must follow lane markings. This isn't just about rules; it's about safety. I recommend paying more attention to ground arrows and traffic signals during daily driving and changing lanes in advance to avoid such troubles—ensuring both safety and peace of mind.
As a young driver myself, I firmly believe that going straight in a turn-only lane is definitely a violation, and there's no room for luck. Navigation apps can sometimes be inaccurate, and I might miss an exit and drive recklessly, but traffic police won't consider excuses. The purpose of lane division is to prevent congestion—if you go straight, it makes turning vehicles wait longer in line, affecting overall efficiency and potentially causing minor accidents. Just imagine during urban rush hours, one wrong move can trigger a chain reaction. I've checked the regulations, and penalties for such violations are generally around 200 yuan, varying slightly by city, with Shenzhen being stricter. I advise everyone to familiarize themselves with traffic laws, stay calm while driving to read road signs carefully, and avoid reckless behavior like I did initially. Safe driving is the top priority.
