What to Do When the Road Is Not Divided into Motor Vehicle Lanes and Non-Motor Vehicle Lanes?
4 Answers
On roads not divided into motor vehicle lanes and non-motor vehicle lanes, motor vehicles should travel in the middle of the road, while non-motor vehicles and pedestrians should travel on both sides of the road. Such legal provisions not only help improve traffic flow speed but also protect non-motor vehicles and pedestrians, objectively preventing traffic accidents. Below is additional information: 1. According to Article 35 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles shall drive on the right side. 2. Article 36 stipulates that based on road conditions and traffic needs, roads shall be divided into motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and sidewalks. Motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians shall travel in their respective lanes. If the road is not divided into motor vehicle lanes, non-motor vehicle lanes, and sidewalks, motor vehicles shall travel in the middle of the road, while non-motor vehicles and pedestrians shall travel on both sides. 3. Article 37 states that on roads with designated special lanes, only specified vehicles are allowed to travel within those lanes, and other vehicles shall not enter them.
When driving on roads without lanes, I always stick to the right side and avoid crowding the middle. This leaves space for non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians, reducing the risk of conflicts. I remember once on a narrow rural road, I drove at a steady, slow speed and frequently checked both side mirrors to watch for sudden appearances of electric bikes. At turns or intersections, I slow down early and honk to give pedestrians and cyclists enough time to react. During the day it's manageable, but extra caution is needed at night—turning on headlights to illuminate the roadside and avoid missing people. In cities, especially in old-town alleys, I pay special attention to blind spots caused by parked cars and avoid driving too close to doors. In short, safe driving habits are key—don’t rush, stay vigilant. I also recommend regularly checking vehicle lights in case of emergencies like stalling.
When I first started learning to drive on undivided roads, I felt quite nervous. The instructor said that in such areas, motor vehicles should keep to the right, and non-motorized vehicles also travel on the right. So I slowed down, gripped the steering wheel firmly with both hands, and avoided changing lanes randomly. I paid attention to whether any cars were overtaking me on the left and left at least a one-meter gap on the right for pedestrians or bicycles. For example, in suburban areas, I would give way to motorcycles and avoid driving side by side. Over time, I developed the habit of frequently checking the rearview mirrors and blind spots, anticipating potential risks in advance. On rainy days when the road is slippery, I drive even slower and maintain a safe distance. The key is to develop good habits from the start—safety always comes first.
As a regular shared bike commuter, I always ride on the far right side of undivided roads to avoid competing with cars for space. E-bike riders should be even more cautious—drive slower and leave room. I wear a helmet and keep my bike lights on so drivers can see me clearly. I use hand signals when turning and avoid sudden diagonal crossings. When encountering parked cars on the roadside, I detour farther instead of squeezing through gaps. Safety depends on staying vigilant.
