What are the penalties and demerit points for not driving within the motor vehicle lane?
4 Answers
Driving a motor vehicle outside the designated motor vehicle lane does not incur demerit points, but a warning or a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan may be imposed. Article 36 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: Based on road conditions and traffic needs, roads are divided into motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and pedestrian walkways, with motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians required to travel in their respective lanes. If there are no designated motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, or pedestrian walkways, motor vehicles should travel in the middle of the road, while non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should travel on either side. Motor vehicle drivers committing any of the following violations will receive 3 demerit points: 1. Exceeding passenger capacity: Driving a passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding 20% of the approved capacity. 2. Exceeding speed limit: Driving a medium-sized or larger passenger or cargo vehicle, or a hazardous materials transport vehicle on roads other than highways or urban expressways, or driving any other motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 20% of the limit. 3. Exceeding load capacity: Driving a cargo vehicle with a load exceeding 30% of the approved capacity. 4. Driving below minimum speed: Driving a motor vehicle on a highway below the minimum speed limit. 5. Driving prohibited vehicles: Driving a motor vehicle prohibited from entering highways onto a highway. 6. Improper lane usage: Driving a motor vehicle on a highway or urban expressway without adhering to the designated lane.
As a working professional who drives frequently, I have to admit that driving outside the motor vehicle lane will indeed result in penalties. Last month, I was in a hurry and drove onto the non-motorized vehicle lane at an intersection, only to be caught by an electronic surveillance camera. I was fined 200 yuan and had 3 points deducted from my license. This experience made me deeply realize the importance of safety: lane divisions are there to prevent chaos and accidents, and occupying bike lanes or sidewalks poses significant risks, making it easy to collide with pedestrians or cyclists. Especially during peak hours in the city, with heavy foot traffic, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. The fine wasn’t much, but the point deduction was a headache—my license already had limited points. Now when I drive, I make sure to open my navigation app in advance to remind myself to pay attention to the lane markings. Rules aren’t constraints; they’re protections. Everyone should develop good habits and not learn the hard way like I did.
I've been driving my kids to and from school for many years, and I've seen a lot on the road. Driving outside the motor vehicle lane, such as on sidewalks or bus lanes, will definitely result in a fine. According to traffic regulations, the usual penalty is around 200 yuan and 3 demerit points. It's not just about the money—the main issue is the high safety risk. My kids have mentioned several times that they've seen similar accidents that nearly injured pedestrians. As a parent, I always remind my son, who's just learning to drive, to pay attention to this and not get distracted by chatting or looking at his phone. Lane rules are designed to ensure everyone's safety, and using the wrong lane disrupts traffic flow. If you do get fined, make sure to handle it promptly at the traffic management office to avoid late fees. Driving is about responsibility—patience is key. Don't risk it just to save a few seconds.
Hi, I'm a new driver who just got my license, and I know this all too well. Last time after a party, I was so excited that I took the wrong lane and ended up in the bicycle zone, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points. I was completely confused at the time, but after checking the rules, I learned that driving outside the designated lane is a violation. It doesn’t deduct many points, but they add up dangerously—like reaching 12 points means retaking the test. After that incident, I sought advice from my driving school classmates and realized that lane confusion easily leads to accidents. My suggestion for new drivers is to practice more on urban routes and use Amap to avoid non-motorized lanes. Fines are bearable, but safety comes first. When driving, stay focused and keep an eye on the road markings—that’s what really matters.
