What are the traffic rules for tidal flow lanes?
2 Answers
The traffic rules for 'tidal flow lanes' are as follows: 1. Observe traffic signs carefully: 'Tidal flow lanes' usually have clear signage. When driving, pay attention to the instructions on the signs to avoid traffic violations. 2. Watch the traffic lights: When driving on a 'tidal flow lane', always pay attention to the traffic lights, especially the main road traffic lights. When the straight-through signal turns green, the signal light on the 'tidal flow lane' sign will also turn green, indicating that you can enter the 'tidal flow lane' and wait. 3. Note the operating hours of 'tidal flow lanes': 'Tidal flow lanes' are not always open all day. They usually operate during specific hours, such as from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. Make sure to check the designated driving times and follow them accordingly. 4. Avoid making U-turns on 'tidal flow lanes': On roads with 'tidal flow lanes', U-turns are often allowed in advance to reduce congestion. However, in some areas, U-turns may disrupt traffic, so there might be signs prohibiting U-turns. Always check the signs before making a turn. 5. What to do if you accidentally enter a 'tidal flow lane': If you mistakenly enter a 'tidal flow lane' when you shouldn't, and a large number of vehicles are coming from the opposite direction, do not panic, reverse, or drive against the flow. Immediately turn on your hazard lights and wait for the traffic signal to change.
I always take the tidal flow lane to work, so I have to pay attention to the traffic signal rules: when the red light is on, it means the lane is open for the opposite direction, and you must not enter, otherwise it's as dangerous as driving against traffic; when the green light is on, it indicates the lane is dedicated to your direction, and you can speed up and go through. There are also signs indicating the time periods, for example, from 7 AM to 9 AM it's dedicated to the inbound direction, and from 5 PM to 7 PM it switches to the outbound direction. Don’t think you can just drive through if there are no cars—the cameras will catch you. I’ve driven on the tidal flow lane on Beijing’s Jingzang Expressway, and it saves me half an hour during rush hour. But if the signal malfunctions, you need to be extra careful—it’s best to turn on your hazard lights and slowly exit the lane to avoid accidents. New drivers can easily get confused, so I recommend downloading a navigation app for real-time updates—safety comes first.
