What is the penalty for driving in the wrong direction on the highway?
3 Answers
Driving in the wrong direction on the highway results in a one-time deduction of 12 points and a fine. Penalties for driving in the wrong direction on the highway: According to the 'Scoring Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations,' driving a motor vehicle without following overtaking or yielding regulations, or driving in the wrong direction, results in a deduction of 3 points; driving a motor vehicle on the highway while reversing, driving in the wrong direction, or making a U-turn across the central divider results in a deduction of 12 points. Additionally, motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage may receive a warning or a fine. Precautions for driving on the highway: Maintaining a safe following distance is a prerequisite for ensuring the safety of both vehicles. Unless driving a large vehicle, it is advisable to stay as far away as possible from large vehicles when driving on the highway. Change lanes correctly. Avoid crossing multiple lanes at once, and always observe traffic conditions carefully before changing lanes, using turn signals and honking to alert other vehicles. The emergency lane is reserved for vehicles in need; unless under special circumstances, it should not be used.
I'm an experienced driver and have witnessed many dangerous situations on long-distance trips. Driving the wrong way on the highway is absolutely unacceptable! The penalties are severe—if caught, your driver's license will be deducted 12 points immediately, requiring you to retake the exam. Fines start at 2,000 yuan, and in serious cases, your license can be revoked or even lead to detention. That year on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, I saw a car going the wrong way and it almost caused a tragedy. This isn't just about money—it's gambling with your own life and others'. On the highway, speeds are high and reaction times are short, making it nearly impossible to avoid a wrong-way vehicle. Traffic police are always watching, and with today's smart surveillance, even a simple U-turn gets captured clearly. Dashcam footage is solid evidence, leaving no room for denial. A buddy of mine did this last year—his car was impounded for half a month, and he almost lost his job. Seriously, it's no joke. If you miss an exit, don't panic—just take the next one and circle back safely.
Right after getting my driver's license, the instructor repeatedly emphasized: Never go the wrong way on the highway! The penalty is the harshest—12 points deducted at once, sending you straight back to driving school to retake both the written and road tests. A 2,000-yuan fine hurts, doesn't it? But that's not all—if an accident occurs, you could even face jail time. Last year, a relative of mine made a foolish mistake by making a U-turn at an off-ramp and got caught red-handed by traffic cameras. The police said it counted as endangering public safety, and when the ticket arrived at their home, the whole family was terrified. With navigation apps so advanced these days, if you miss an exit, just keep driving—it might add a few extra kilometers at most. Those who say 'just this once won't hurt' are gambling with their lives. If a car coming the opposite way at 120 km/h collides with you, the survival rate is practically zero. I heard someone was once fined 5,000 yuan, had their license frozen for six months, and had to find someone else to drive their car home. If you wouldn't even skip wearing a seatbelt to save money, you definitely shouldn't attempt such dangerous maneuvers.
