What are the penalties for driving in the wrong lane on highways?
2 Answers
According to the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": 1. If a motor vehicle is driven on a highway without following the designated lane, 3 points will be deducted, and a fine of 50 yuan will be imposed. 2. If a motor vehicle is driven on an urban expressway without following the designated lane, 3 points will be deducted, and a fine of 50 yuan will be imposed. 3. If a motor vehicle is driven on roads other than highways or urban expressways without following the designated lane, no points will be deducted, but a fine of 50 yuan will be imposed. Additional information: 1. Prohibition of driving on highways: Article 67 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates that pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, tractors, wheeled special machinery vehicles, articulated buses, full-trailer trucks, and other motor vehicles with a designed maximum speed of less than 70 kilometers per hour are not allowed to enter highways. 2. For vehicles prohibited from entering highways that do so, the public security traffic management department will impose a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan and deduct 3 points in accordance with the "Road Traffic Safety Law" and Order No. 123.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the penalties for not driving in the designated lane on highways are quite severe. Typically, it's a 3-point deduction plus a fine of 200 RMB, though the exact amount might be slightly higher depending on the region. I remember the lane rules are designed for safety: for example, the leftmost overtaking lane should only be used briefly for passing, and prolonged occupation or driving too fast in the truck lane can get you ticketed. If you park haphazardly on the emergency lane or change lanes recklessly, the consequences are even worse, potentially leading to rear-end collisions or pile-ups. I've seen many cases where accidents lead to complicated insurance claims and full liability. I recommend drivers always pay attention to road signs and use navigation alerts for lane changes—this avoids fines and saves lives. Accumulating 12 points leads to license suspension, which is a waste of time not worth the hassle. Developing good habits saves both peace of mind and money.
