What Constitutes Driving Against Traffic?
2 Answers
On roads with solid dividing lines, driving a motor vehicle into the opposite lane constitutes driving against traffic. Violators will be penalized with a 3-point deduction and a fine. On roads with dashed dividing lines, it is permissible to overtake by borrowing the opposite lane when safety is ensured. However, in the event of an accident, the vehicle borrowing the lane will be deemed as driving against traffic. On roads with one-way traffic signs, any motor vehicle entering will be considered as driving against traffic.
Driving against traffic, simply put, means going the wrong way, opposite to the normal flow of vehicles. Having driven for twenty years, I've seen many cases, and the most common definition is: driving in the opposite direction on a one-way street, or taking the wrong entrance on a highway, causing the vehicle to go against traffic on the main road. Traffic police strictly enforce penalties for this violation because the risks are too high, easily leading to head-on collisions. For instance, some people take shortcuts on small urban roads by driving against traffic, where a fine of 200 yuan and 3 demerit points is considered lenient. New drivers should especially pay attention to road signs and arrows at intersections—don't rush as soon as the light turns green; make sure to check if it's a two-way or one-way road. As an experienced driver, I always remind others: plan your route before driving, slow down and read signs in foggy weather, avoid distractions like looking at your phone—driving against traffic is often caused by a momentary lapse in judgment. Driving lawfully isn't just about avoiding fines; it's about saving lives.
