What is the penalty for going straight in a left-turn lane when the left-turn signal is red?

[ClaytonLee]

For vehicles subject to fines, the party involved must pay the penalty at designated collection agencies. If a vehicle accidentally enters the opposite lane while making a left turn on a green light, it is considered a traffic violation according to traffic regulations, specifically a wrong-way driving violation, which results in a 6-point deduction and corresponding fines. For the suspension of a driver's license, the motor vehicle driver's license and the penalty decision notice will be transferred to the traffic management department of the public security authority in the jurisdiction where the driver's license was issued.

[ZoeDella]

I've had a similar experience before. Once, I drove straight in a left-turn lane when the left-turn signal was red and got caught by a traffic camera. The consequence was 6 penalty points and a 200-yuan fine, plus I had to spend half a day queuing at the traffic police station to settle it. It's not just costly but also troublesome. The key issue is that such behavior is highly dangerous and could lead to side-impact collisions, ranging from vehicle damage to personal injury. Upon reflection, I realized I'd been driving too casually, always thinking I could cut corners to save time. In reality, every intersection's traffic lights are clearly designed, and drivers should check signs and navigation prompts in advance to avoid impulsive actions. Now, I've developed a habit of slowing down at intersections to confirm my lane and ensure I'm driving correctly. This type of violation is quite common – many people get caught due to distraction or unfamiliarity with the road. However, the penalties are severe, with fines varying by region. For instance, in Beijing, it might start at 200 yuan and go up to 500 yuan or even involve license suspension in serious cases. Bottom line: safety first. Don't risk it to save a few seconds, or you might regret it when it's too late.

[McIvan]

From the perspective of traffic enforcement, proceeding straight in a left-turn lane when the left-turn signal is red falls under the category of running a red light, which carries quite strict penalties. Typically, the fine ranges from 200 to 500 yuan with a deduction of 6 points on the driver's license. In severe cases, such as causing traffic congestion or accidents, the driver's license may be suspended for a period of time. In my work, I have encountered many cases where the most common reasons for this violation are driver negligence or an attempt to overtake and save time. In practice, the surveillance systems are highly sensitive, and a momentary lapse can result in a ticket. This not only leads to fines and point deductions but also increases the risk of accidents—for example, vehicles mistakenly entering the left-turn lane can easily conflict with oncoming traffic. I recommend that everyone pay close attention to traffic signals and lane markings at intersections, drive slowly, and double-check. Prevention is key; following the rules can avoid most troubles and protect both your own safety and that of others.

[LaCarlos]

Legally, proceeding straight in a left-turn lane when the red light is on is considered a violation of traffic signal instructions. According to the Road Traffic Law, the minimum penalty for such an offense is a fine of 200 yuan and 6 demerit points. If it leads to an accident or dangerous driving, the punishment is more severe: a fine of over 500 yuan and a one-month driver's license suspension may be imposed. The consequences extend beyond financial loss, affecting insurance records—future premiums will increase. Additionally, with the widespread use of electronic monitoring systems, the likelihood of being caught is high. Drivers should always follow directional markings, slow down at intersections, and check signals. This is not just a rule but a safety baseline.