Is it a violation to reverse in the wrong lane at a traffic light?

[Andrea]

At a traffic light intersection, reversing to change lanes after realizing you're in the wrong lane constitutes a traffic violation. According to the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law, reversing at intersections is prohibited. Below are the relevant regulations regarding reversing to change lanes at traffic light intersections: 1. Article 50 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states that when reversing, motor vehicles must observe the situation behind and only reverse after ensuring safety. Motor vehicles are not allowed to reverse at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp curves, steep slopes, or tunnels; 2. Article 44 of the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China specifies that on roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes in the same direction, the left lane is the fast lane and the right lane is the slow lane. Motor vehicles driving in the fast lane should maintain the speed specified for the fast lane. If they cannot reach the specified speed, they should drive in the slow lane.

[Walter]

I once encountered a situation where I took the wrong lane at a traffic light intersection. I remember one day when I was in a hurry to get to work, intending to go straight but ended up in the left-turn lane. At the time, I tried to save time by reversing to change lanes, but the car behind almost rear-ended me, and I even got a ticket from a traffic officer who said reversing at an intersection is a traffic violation. The fine and penalty points made me regret it deeply. Later, after studying traffic laws, I realized this is indeed a violation because reversing on the road is strictly prohibited, especially near traffic lights, as it can easily cause accidents or disrupt traffic order. Since then, I’ve developed a habit: if I take the wrong lane, I simply continue driving and find a safe U-turn spot or a small road to turn around. This avoids risks and saves both trouble and money. In short, reversing after taking the wrong lane at a traffic light is not only a violation but can also lead to big trouble. Safe driving is the most important—don’t take chances.

[OPatrick]

Backing up at a traffic light after choosing the wrong lane is definitely a traffic violation, this is very clear. Traffic regulations prohibit vehicles from reversing on public roads unless absolutely safe, and reversing at an intersection violates this rule and may even constitute dangerous driving. I understand that if caught by police on-site or captured by cameras, it will result in a ticket, penalty points, and a fine. Reversing with limited visibility easily leads to accidents involving pedestrians or other vehicles, posing extremely high risks. Therefore, I recommend drivers in this situation not to reverse but to continue in the wrong direction and find a safe opportunity to turn around. Following the rules not only protects oneself but also makes traffic flow more smoothly.

[LaGia]

Reversing at a traffic light after taking the wrong lane is indeed a violation and dangerous. Traffic regulations prohibit reversing on the road, as it can disrupt traffic flow and potentially cause accidents. Police may impose penalties and deduct points. It is recommended to proceed forward and find a safe place to make a U-turn. Safety first—avoid such maneuvers to prevent risks.