What does a sawtooth lane mean?

[StElena]

Sawtooth lanes, also known as 'tidal flow lanes,' are marked with dedicated indicator lights on the road. Driving in these lanes during non-operational hours is prohibited, and violations may result in a 3-point penalty and a fine ranging from 200 to 1,000 yuan. Below is some relevant information about tidal flow lanes: 1. Symbolic meaning of the name 'tidal flow lane': Just like the ebb and flow of tides, these lanes are specifically set up for peak traffic hours. When roads are heavily congested, tidal flow lanes can be activated. Above the entrance of these lanes, dedicated traffic signals are installed, which may vary by location. 2. Main purpose of tidal flow lanes: The primary goal of tidal flow lanes is to alleviate traffic pressure during peak hours. Eligible vehicles can use this 'dedicated lane' to avoid traffic jams. It's important to note that this lane is not a traditional 'dashed lane'—once entered, lane changes are not permitted, so drivers should plan their route in advance.

[AdelynLynn]

Last time I was driving downtown, I came across those jagged lanes and initially thought it was just road wear. Later I learned they're called variable-direction lanes, with very distinctive zigzag markings on the pavement. The key is to watch the electronic overhead signs - they switch between straight or left-turn arrows depending on rush hour. For example, at 7:30 AM the sign might show a left-turn arrow, meaning you can enter for left turns, but by 9 AM it could change to a red X prohibiting entry. Get the direction wrong and get caught on camera? That's an automatic 200 yuan fine. New drivers often make the mistake of not checking the real-time signs - once I followed the car ahead into the lane, only for the indicator to suddenly switch to red X, forcing our entire lane of cars to reverse out in unison. Quite the comical scene!

[StNova]

We ride-hailing drivers are most familiar with these sawtooth lanes. They're actually a smart traffic control method used by traffic police—allocating more lanes to the inbound direction during morning rush hours, and switching to outbound direction for evening peaks. Take the intersection at Jianshe Road for example: at 5pm all three sawtooth lanes are straight-through, but by 6:30 two of them become left-turn only. Remember two crucial things: first, always watch the overhead electronic arrow displays—the ground markings only indicate lane positions; second, never change lanes once you've entered, as crossing the solid white line means penalty points. Yesterday I picked up a young passenger who forced his way in without checking the traffic light, and got caught by surveillance cameras.

[Stevie]

Right after getting my driver's license, I was once startled by the sawtooth lane on Zhongshan Road. The lane markings looked like shark's teeth, and I didn't dare to drive into it at first. My instructor later taught me that these lanes with sawtooth markings change direction according to the time of day. Important reminder: There are LED arrow signs above the lane - you can only enter when the green arrow is lit, and must stop immediately when a red X appears. Once after work, I saw five cars squeezed into a lane that had already turned red with X's, while traffic police were issuing tickets one by one. Remember to look up at the signs in advance, don't just follow the car in front of you blindly.