Is it illegal to go straight in a right-turn lane?
2 Answers
Going straight in a right-turn lane is illegal and constitutes driving in a lane not as prescribed. Unless it is a mixed lane for both right turns and going straight, it is a violation. According to traffic regulations, driving a motor vehicle in a lane not as prescribed does not result in points deduction but incurs a fine. If such a violation occurs on urban expressways or highways, 3 points will be deducted. There are three main types of violations for not driving in the designated lane: 1. Going straight by borrowing a left-turn lane; 2. Turning left by borrowing a straight lane; 3. Making a right turn arbitrarily in a left-turn or straight lane. Ways to avoid not driving in the designated lane: Before driving, plan your route carefully. When approaching an intersection, pay attention to the directional arrows on the road and enter the correct lane in advance. Do not wait until the last moment to adjust your route. Be mindful of the road markings, especially when driving on unfamiliar roads. If you have already committed a violation, be sure to watch out for vehicles and pedestrians to avoid more serious consequences.
Going straight in a right-turn lane is usually illegal. I've been driving for decades and have seen too many similar situations. Traffic rules design lanes to divert traffic, prevent congestion and accidents. Going straight in a right-turn lane blocks vehicles behind that need to turn right, easily causing rear-end collisions or side swipes. I once saw an incident at an intersection where a driver going straight almost collided with a turning vehicle. The traffic officer issued a ticket immediately, citing violation of lane usage regulations. The fine isn't small, and points may be deducted. When driving, I remind myself to always check road markings and avoid distractions - GPS can sometimes be misleading. Developing good habits is key to avoiding tickets and dangers.
