Is reversing on a one-way street considered driving against traffic?
3 Answers
Reversing on a one-way street is considered driving against traffic. Here are the details: Regulations: Article 50 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates: When reversing a motor vehicle, the driver must observe the situation behind the vehicle and confirm safety before reversing. Reversing is prohibited at railway crossings, intersections, one-way roads, bridges, sharp turns, steep slopes, or tunnels. Penalty: Reversing on a one-way street is a traffic violation. Driving against traffic on urban roads generally results in a 3-point deduction and a fine, while reversing, driving against traffic, or making a U-turn across the central divider on highways will result in a direct 12-point deduction.
I don't think reversing on a one-way street strictly counts as going the wrong way, because going against traffic usually means the vehicle is completely moving in the wrong direction, while reversing is just a temporary action. As someone who has been driving for many years, I know that when you reverse on a one-way street, even though you're moving backward, the vehicle as a whole is still in the correct forward direction. However, traffic rules require reversing to be brief and safe, such as not exceeding a few meters and not affecting other vehicles. If you accidentally reverse for a long distance, it may be considered a violation, like the time I was warned by a traffic cop for reversing at an intersection. It's advisable to ensure no one is around before reversing, especially on narrow streets—safety first. Remember, reversing itself is legal, but improper operation can bring risks, so it's best to avoid it.
When I first got my driver's license, I had a similar experience. Backing up once or twice on a one-way street didn't feel like going the wrong way to me; by definition, going against traffic refers to driving in the opposite direction, while reversing is just an auxiliary maneuver. Once, while backing into a parking spot in an alley, even though I reversed a few steps, the direction of the vehicle didn't change. However, it's important not to reverse continuously for too long, as it might be considered a violation. Driving experience has taught me that safe reversing requires checking the rearview mirror and not blocking the road. In reality, traffic police will assess your intent—if it's just a short-distance reverse, it's not considered going the wrong way. But to be on the safe side, it's better to find an open space to adjust.
