Will driving straight in a left-turn lane be captured by cameras?
2 Answers
Driving straight from a left-turn lane will be captured by cameras, and the probability of being caught is very high. If you drive straight when both the left-turn and straight signals are green, the chance of being caught is relatively low, but if captured, you will be penalized for not driving in the designated direction, resulting in a fine and a deduction of 2 points. If you drive straight when the straight signal is green but the left-turn signal is red, the probability of being caught is very high, and it is usually treated as running a red light, leading to a fine and a deduction of 6 points. Below are some common traffic violations: 1. Running a red light: This is the most common traffic violation. Since the new traffic regulations were introduced, running a red light results in an immediate deduction of 6 points. 2. Driving without a license: If a driver continues to drive while their license is suspended, they will be fined and detained for 15 days. Those driving without a license or with a revoked license will also be detained for 15 days and fined. 3. Overloading or overcrowding: For passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20% or freight vehicles exceeding the rated load by less than 30%, a fine will be imposed. If the excess is 20% or more for passenger vehicles or 30% or more for freight vehicles, a heavier fine will be imposed. 4. Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol will result in a 3-month suspension of the driver's license and a fine. Driving a commercial vehicle under the influence will also lead to a 3-month suspension and a fine. 5. Speeding: If a vehicle exceeds the speed limit by 50% or more, the driver will face a fine and revocation of their driver's license.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and as an experienced driver, I've seen many similar situations. Driving straight in a left-turn lane is usually captured by traffic cameras, especially at major intersections or commercial areas in big cities. This is because modern camera systems can track vehicle trajectories. If it detects that you didn't turn but went straight instead, it will automatically record the violation. I've seen this in cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, where the fine is around two hundred yuan, and points may also be deducted. From a safety perspective, doing this is very dangerous—you could collide with oncoming traffic or cause congestion. So, it's best to develop the habit of checking road markings in advance to choose the correct lane. Driving requires full attention, and slowing down at intersections is a must. Remember the simple rules and don’t cut corners to avoid trouble later on.
