Is it considered running a red light when driving straight in a left-turn lane?
3 Answers
When driving straight in a left-turn lane, the situation needs to be considered: 1. If the straight lane has a green light: It may be considered as not following the indicated markings, resulting in a 3-point deduction and a fine. There are two possibilities. One is a pure left-turn lane, which only allows left turns and not going straight. The other is a left-turn lane that also permits going straight, which is considered normal driving. 2. When going straight: Some places allow this, while others do not. If you are in a left-turn lane, you can only turn left and are not allowed to go straight. 3. At signalized intersections: Left-turn lanes generally fall into several categories—lanes that only allow left turns, lanes that permit both left turns and going straight, lanes that allow left turns and U-turns, and lanes that only permit U-turns. If you are in a left-turn lane that also permits going straight, driving straight when the straight signal is green is correct.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've seen too many people going straight from left-turn lanes. Technically, this doesn't count as running a red light since that specifically refers to entering an intersection when the light is red. However, if you do this when the light is green, it's considered driving contrary to marked lanes and you'll still get fined. I once witnessed a friend getting caught by traffic cameras for going straight from a left-turn lane - 3 points deducted and a 200 yuan fine, truly not worth it. The key issue is how dangerous this behavior is - drivers behind might think you're turning left, and sudden lane changes can easily cause rear-end collisions or crashes, especially during rush hour at urban intersections where accidents frequently occur. This old driver reminds everyone: don't risk safety to save a few seconds. Safe driving saves both peace of mind and money. Decades behind the wheel have taught me that rules are rules - don't try to outsmart them.
As a father of two, I always prioritize my family's safety when driving. Going straight in a left-turn lane might seem like a minor issue, and strictly speaking, it doesn't count as running a red light. However, if the light turns red while you're going straight, you're truly caught. Imagine having kids in the car—such a move could confuse other drivers about your intentions, leading to sudden brakes or minor collisions, which pose significant risks. If caught by traffic police or cameras, a ticket and demerit points are inevitable, typically starting at 200 yuan. I always check the ground arrows in advance to ensure I'm in the correct lane and avoid mistakes. Safe driving isn't just about obeying traffic signals; it also includes following lane directions. As a responsible parent, I emphasize prevention to ensure peace of mind on the road, saving both trouble and unnecessary expenses.
