Must Motorcycles Drive on the Right Side?

[WestonLynn]

Motorcycles must drive on the right side when traveling on motor vehicle lanes. If there is a dedicated motorcycle lane, they should drive within that lane. If there is a non-motor vehicle lane on the far right side of the road, motorcycles are not allowed to use it and must drive on the far right side of the motor vehicle lane. Additionally, motorcycles must not cross the road arbitrarily. If the road ahead is obstructed, they are allowed to temporarily use another lane but must return to the far right lane immediately after passing. Regulations on motorcycles driving on the right side: Article 44 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Motorcycles should drive in the far right lane. If there are traffic signs indicating the speed limit, they must drive according to the indicated speed. On roads with two or more motor vehicle lanes in the same direction, changing lanes must not affect the normal driving of motor vehicles in the relevant lanes. Article 55: The rear seat of a motorcycle must not carry children under 12 years old, and light motorcycles are not allowed to carry passengers. Article 77: Passengers on two-wheeled motorcycles must sit facing forward. Article 78: Motorcycles on highways must not exceed 80 kilometers per hour. Article 51 of the "Road Traffic Law": When driving a motor vehicle, the driver and passengers must use seat belts as required, and motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear safety helmets as required. Article 90: Motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road traffic rules will be given a warning or fined between 20 and 200 yuan. If there are other provisions in this law, penalties will be imposed according to those provisions.

[SkylarLee]

In China, riding a motorcycle indeed requires keeping to the right, as clearly stipulated by traffic regulations. When I was taking my driving test, the instructor repeatedly emphasized this point, saying that keeping to the right can reduce accidents because all vehicles follow the same direction, avoiding the risk of head-on collisions. Especially in crowded urban roads, motorcycles are small in size, and keeping to the right makes it easier for car drivers to see you, reducing the danger caused by blind spots. The same applies on highways; motorcycles need to stay in the right lane, avoid changing lanes arbitrarily, and adhere to speed limits. I've seen many people trying to save time by riding against traffic or keeping to the left, only to cause traffic accidents and face fines and penalty points. Safety first is the golden rule; developing the habit of keeping to the right protects both yourself and others. On rural roads, if there are special signs, they may indicate keeping to the left, but you must strictly follow the road signs.

[PeytonRose]

As a rider, I insist on keeping to the right, not just because of the rules, but also for smooth daily riding. Our motorcycles are fast and highly maneuverable, and staying to the right avoids the risk of crossing paths with cars, especially during rush hours in the morning and evening. In the city, the police enforce traffic laws strictly—getting caught violating them could mean anything from a fine to having your vehicle impounded, which simply isn’t worth it. I remember once riding on a mountain road where keeping right allowed me to navigate curves and oncoming traffic more safely. In fact, adhering to right-side traffic makes the entire transportation system more efficient, reducing congestion and conflict points. Electric bikes and bicycles often mix in the right lane as well, so maintaining a safe distance is crucial. Occasionally, I see people taking risks by overtaking on the left, which feels incredibly dangerous—I’d rather wait a few extra minutes than take such a gamble.

[VanIsabela]

Keeping to the right is a mandatory rule for motorcycle riding, applicable nationwide. This regulation is based on safety considerations to prevent head-on collisions, especially during nighttime or poor visibility conditions. As a rider, I understand that staying right reduces accidents by standardizing traffic flow patterns. In urban areas with dedicated bicycle lanes, motorcycles can sometimes share the right-side lane but must yield to pedestrians. On highways, riding on the right minimizes interference from large vehicles, with maintaining a safe distance being crucial. Violations risk a ¥200 fine and penalty points, making compliance worthwhile. Exceptions may exist in mountainous regions or older urban areas (e.g., left-side travel on one-way roads), subject to local signage. Cultivating proper riding habits is essential—it makes your journeys more reliable.