What are the penalties for driving the wrong way on a one-way road?
2 Answers
Driving the wrong way on a one-way road in urban areas (including one-way roads) will result in a fine and a deduction of 3 points; driving the wrong way on a one-way road on highways (including ramps and toll booth exits) will result in a fine, a deduction of 12 points, and may also lead to the suspension of the driver's license for twelve months. A one-way road refers to a road where motor vehicles can only travel in one direction, and there may be multiple lanes. Driving the wrong way refers to traveling in the opposite direction of the designated road. Driving the wrong way on a one-way road can easily cause traffic accidents and is strictly prohibited by law. One-way roads have clearly marked prohibited sections, and not all one-way roads continue indefinitely. Generally, traffic police departments will designate one-way roads in areas such as hospitals, schools, and government offices. It is essential to pay close attention, as prohibited sections usually have clear signage, so check ahead of time.
I learned this lesson the hard way last year when I turned into a one-way street without noticing the signs. I was caught on camera just 50 meters in. The traffic police informed me that such wrong-way driving violations incur a 3-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine, which is now the standard nationwide. They even showed me the surveillance screenshot on the spot – my car was the only one going against traffic, standing out glaringly. I later found out that if this had caused an accident, the penalties would have been harsher, with full liability, and the insurance company might even refuse to cover repair costs. My advice: always pay attention to road signs, especially in older urban areas with many one-way streets. Sometimes GPS can mislead you too. When in unfamiliar areas, it’s better to take a couple of extra minutes to detour than to risk a ticket.
