What are the traffic rules for tidal flow lanes?

[VanKaylee]

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.

[MacConnor]

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.

[LillianAnn]

As a seasoned driver, I can attest that tidal flow lanes are an intelligent design to alleviate congestion during peak hours. The rules are quite intuitive: simply follow the electronic overhead signs—proceed boldly when your direction's arrow is displayed, but swiftly move out of the lane when opposing arrows appear (never force your way through). For instance, on Guangzhou's Dongfeng Road, the tidal lane flows toward downtown in the morning and reverses in the evening—a system I rely on daily to bypass traffic bottlenecks. Crucially, never attempt lane changes during transition periods as the system triggers alarms. This system delivers significant benefits, reducing congestion by up to 20%, but demands constant vigilance as signal changes can occur abruptly. I recommend weekly checks of vehicle lights and brakes to ensure prompt responsiveness. If mistakenly entering the wrong lane, remain calm—locate the nearest exit to stop for directions or emergency assistance.

[AnnieRose]

I encountered tidal flow lanes right after getting my driver's license. The rules are simple to learn: there are reversible lane signs and traffic lights in the middle of the road. Red means your direction is prohibited, while green means you can proceed. Don't get distracted while driving - make sure to check the sign direction before entering the lane. Don't worry about losing the traffic flow, as beginners like me tend to get nervous and miss signals. Actually, these are commonly used in urban core areas, like Shanghai's Yan'an Elevated Road where lanes reverse during morning and evening rush hours. It took me several practice runs with my instructor to get the hang of it. Remember not to go the wrong way - it's not just about the fine but also dangerous. After practicing a few times during training, I've become much more stable at driving now.

[VonCora]

Commuting drivers must understand the tidal lane rules: Traffic lights are the key. When the green light is on, you can pass quickly; when the red light is on, you must yield to avoid penalties. Peak hours are fixed—for example, on Hangzhou's Chaowang Road, it's from 6 AM to 9 AM toward downtown and reversed after work. I pass by daily and remind everyone to download a real-time traffic app to sync with signal changes. If the signs are unclear, don’t take chances—detour to avoid accidents. I’ve seen people cause trouble by overtaking, so it’s best to maintain distance and avoid speeding. These rules are quite effective in easing urban traffic congestion.