Which lane to choose for going straight when there are only two lanes?

[DelMaya]

When approaching an intersection within 50 meters, first check the road signs. If there are no separate left-turn lane indicators, you can proceed straight through either lane when the traffic light is green. More details are as follows: 1. "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law": According to the provisions in the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law", motor vehicles passing through intersections controlled by traffic signals shall proceed as follows: At intersections with marked directional lanes, enter the directional lane according to the intended direction of travel. 2. "Point Deduction Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations": According to the provisions in the "Point Deduction Standards for Road Traffic Safety Violations", driving a motor vehicle on urban expressways without following the designated lane will result in a 3-point deduction. Additionally, according to the provisions of the Road Traffic Safety Law, a fine may also be imposed.

[DiCaden]

When driving on a two-lane road, I always prioritize the right lane. According to the traffic rules, unless there are special signs, vehicles going straight should keep to the right. The left lane is reserved for vehicles making left turns or U-turns. If you occupy the left lane while going straight, you'll hold up a line of left-turning vehicles honking behind you, wasting everyone's time. Worse yet, if you stop over the solid line in the left-turn waiting area and get caught by traffic cameras, you'll face pointless fines and penalty points. However, if the right lane is jammed or a bus is pulling over, it's acceptable to briefly use the left lane for straight-through driving—just check the road signs in advance and promptly return to the right lane when safe.

[MacElena]

This issue really depends on the road conditions. Based on my over ten years of driving experience: on regular road sections, don't even think about it, just obediently stay in the right lane for safety. But when approaching a traffic light intersection, you must stay alert and check the lane signs. Sometimes the right lane suddenly becomes 'right turn only', and if you foolishly continue straight, you'll either have to reluctantly make an illegal right turn or slam on the brakes and block the traffic behind. At some intersections, the left lane is marked with both straight and left turn arrows, in which case you can confidently take the left lane. Remember, check the lane markings about 50 meters before reaching the intersection, don't wait until you're on the solid line to panic.

[Yvette]

Once when I was dropping my kid off at school, I encountered this kind of road situation where both lanes were completely jammed. Following the navigation prompt, I took the left lane only to find all the cars there waiting to turn left, while the right lane was full of vehicles going straight. I got stuck in the middle and almost made my child late. Learned my lesson: for daily commutes, sticking to the right lane is the most hassle-free choice. However, if there's construction barriers or an accident vehicle blocking the right lane, you definitely need to switch to the left lane in advance to bypass it. The key is maintaining proper speed and keeping a safe following distance to allow room for lane changes. Especially on rainy days when roads are slippery, sudden sharp lane changes can easily cause skidding. Better to wait through an extra red light than risk an accident.

[KayleeLee]

During driving tests, instructors repeatedly emphasize: on undivided two-lane roads without special markings, you must keep right when going straight! But in actual driving, you'll encounter special situations. Like in some roads of our old city districts, the right lane is perpetually occupied by delivery e-bikes, while the left lane remains more clear. In such cases, I usually start checking the rearview mirror 200 meters ahead, signal with the turn indicator to borrow the left lane for straight passage, and immediately return to the right lane after passing the congested section. However, special attention is needed - some seemingly empty right lanes actually hide a bus stop ahead, so don't wait until rear-ending a bus to regret it. By the way, when driving on such roads at night, it's best to use low beams. If the opposite lane drivers get dazzled by high beams and suddenly swerve, it could be very dangerous.

[Janelle]

New drivers often make this mistake. Last week, my niece learned it the hard way—she was driving slowly in the left lane when a taxi wanting to turn left overtook her aggressively from the right. Take my advice: when traffic is light, always stay in the right lane to leave space for left-turning vehicles. During rush hours when the right lane is congested, here’s a trick: switch to the left lane two intersections early to go straight, avoiding choke points like schools and hospitals. And remember—always! Always! Check your blind spot before changing lanes. Last year, a car in our neighborhood hit a motorcycle during a lane change and had to pay tens of thousands in compensation. Also, never change lanes where diamond-shaped warning markings indicate an upcoming crosswalk.