Is it generally not penalized to cross a single white line on the highway?

[MacOwen]

Crossing a single white line on the highway is penalized, just like on regular roads, as it constitutes a violation of prohibited marking instructions. If caught by electronic surveillance or traffic police, it will result in a 3-point deduction and a fine. The purpose of white solid lines is to separate lanes in the same direction, typically used at intersections before traffic lights, highway ramps, bridge entrances, tunnels, etc. White solid lines are also present in white guiding lines, and vehicles are strictly prohibited from suddenly changing lanes and crossing them when approaching. Introduction to highway white lines: 1. Rumble strips: Raised white markings on the road that alert drivers to curves, downhill sections, etc.; 2. Optical illusion markings: These create an optical illusion for drivers, making the road appear to narrow or dip, prompting them to slow down before entering tunnels; 3. Deceleration markings: These create a visual narrowing of the lane, inducing a sense of pressure to remind drivers to slow down when navigating curves or slopes; 4. Guiding lines: Used at irregular, overly wide, or complex intersections and other special locations.

[LaJason]

Well, I've been driving on highways for almost twenty years, and I used to cross single white lines several times, thinking it was no big deal. But later I realized those white lines mark the lane boundaries, and crossing them could get you caught by cameras or police, especially near highway exits in big cities. To be honest, enforcement isn’t always strict—small towns or nighttime might turn a blind eye—but if a sideswipe accident happens, you’re fully at fault, and your insurance premium will go up. My relative was fined 200 yuan and got 1 penalty point for crossing a line on the highway, regretting not learning sooner. So, us experienced drivers always advise: check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, keep a safe distance, and build good habits—don’t invite trouble. Safe driving isn’t just for yourself, but for everyone on the road.

[JulianLynn]

I usually take the highway to and from work, and although I've crossed the solid white line a few times without getting caught, it feels really risky. The solid white line marks lane separation, and crossing it can easily cause you to deviate from your lane, especially on sharp curves or during rainy conditions when the road is slippery, potentially leading to rear-end collisions or side swipes. In some areas with lax enforcement, like suburban highways, you might not get fined, but if you hit a guardrail or another car, the repair costs and compensation will be a huge loss. I learned this the hard way as a new driver, and now I always remind myself: stay focused on driving straight, don’t get lazy and distract yourself with your phone. Checking your tires and brake system is also crucial because the risk of losing control is high. Overall, the risks far outweigh the little time you might save—safety first is what really matters.

[VonAshlyn]

From a regulatory perspective, Chinese traffic laws explicitly prohibit crossing lane markings, with stricter enforcement on highways. Crossing a single solid white line may incur a fine of 100-200 RMB and 1 demerit point, depending on local enforcement. During my driving lessons, the instructor emphasized that white lines are safety barriers—crossing them can lead to loss of control, lane changes, and chain collisions. For example, the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway has dense camera coverage, penalizing every violation, while rural areas might be more lenient. But don’t assume lax enforcement means you can be careless—develop the habit of using turn signals to alert other drivers. Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s steering system is crucial to minimize unintentional lane crossings. In short, obeying the law not only avoids fines but also saves lives and prevents accidents.