Why can't you drive straight in a lane with sawtooth markings?

[DiStella]

Lanes with sawtooth markings can be used for driving straight, but you must follow the time regulations indicated on the signs. During specified times, you can only turn and not drive straight. Below is a detailed introduction to lanes with sawtooth markings: Traffic rules for lanes with sawtooth markings: Lanes with sawtooth markings are also known as variable lanes, which change direction based on traffic flow. The direction changes according to the traffic lights: if the light shows straight, you drive straight; if it shows left, you turn left; if it shows right, you turn right. This setup helps alleviate traffic congestion promptly, allowing vehicles to pass quickly and keeping the roads clear. Penalties for violations: Violating the traffic rules of variable lanes will result in a three-point deduction on your license and a fine.

[BennettAnn]

When driving, if you see those sawtooth-like lines on the road, I know you must never go straight! That's a turn-only lane, and going straight would cause trouble like clogging a traffic bottleneck. I often see them at urban intersections—designers use these jagged markings to clearly differentiate functions. Turning vehicles need to pass through smoothly, and if someone goes straight into them, at best it causes traffic jams and honking, and at worst, it can lead to rear-end collisions. I’ve driven a few times at night and, due to carelessness, almost collided with a right-turning truck. Since then, I’ve learned my lesson. Even worse, breaking the rules might get you caught on camera and fined. Now, I check the road markings hundreds of meters in advance to choose the right lane. Safe driving isn’t just a slogan—it’s built on small details. Those sawtooth markings are there to remind us that it’s a turn-exclusive space, and we must respect it. Observe more, act carefully, and don’t sacrifice safety for speed.

[Henderson]

Having driven a taxi for many years, I've seen too many sawtooth lanes. They are mainly set up at intersections to guide vehicles to turn in the specified direction, and going straight is absolutely prohibited. The reason is simple: going straight would disrupt the rhythm of the turning traffic. During rush hours, if one unruly driver stops in the sawtooth lane to go straight, the entire intersection becomes chaotic. The following vehicles either have to brake abruptly or detour, creating significant safety hazards. I know many accidents have originated from this, such as turning vehicles being blocked and then scraping pedestrians. Urban traffic relies on orderly design to maintain efficiency, and sawtooth markings are a highly effective tool for traffic diversion. If you use them, you must follow the rules and turn. Personal advice: don’t guess road signs while driving; make it a habit to recognize markings. Protecting your own rights and those of others is what a responsible driver should do.

[ElijahLynn]

During driving school, the instructor emphasized that the sawtooth lane is called a channelized lane, which only allows turning and prohibits going straight. I understand this design is based on safety logic. Because vehicles at turns have specific trajectories, going straight would disrupt the flow and increase the risk of collisions. For example, at a T-junction, the sawtooth guides you to turn right; if you go straight, you might get stuck or conflict with side traffic. While driving, I always stay alert to the V-shaped lines on the ground and change lanes in advance to avoid entering by mistake. Though it's a minor rule, it can save emergencies. Now when driving, I proactively share these small tips with friends, reminding them not to be careless.