Will I be penalized for changing lanes due to a vehicle breakdown at a traffic light?
2 Answers
Changing lanes due to a vehicle breakdown at a traffic light will not result in penalty points. Below is relevant information about traffic lights: 1. Decelerate in advance: When approaching a traffic light, whether it's green or red, gently apply the brakes to slow down early. 2. Observe traffic lights and signs carefully: When you first spot traffic lights in the distance, make sure to clearly see how many there are. Any red light means you must stop; if there's a no U-turn sign, you absolutely cannot make a U-turn, or you will face fines and penalty points. 3. Do not run a yellow light: Typically, when a green light turns red, there will be a yellow light flashing in between. If you encounter a yellow light and your car is far from the stop line, do not proceed further.
From my over ten years of driving experience, when encountering a vehicle breakdown in front at a traffic light and needing to change lanes, you usually won't be directly penalized with points, but you must ensure the operation is safe to avoid penalties. Traffic regulations state that changing lanes arbitrarily, especially in solid line areas at intersections, can indeed result in a 2-point deduction plus a fine, as cameras easily capture violations. However, if the car in front is genuinely broken, such as stalled with hazard lights on, and you change lanes reasonably by signaling, checking mirrors, and not affecting others, you generally won't be penalized. I recommend taking a photo or video as evidence in case of an appeal. If mistakenly captured, providing the recording and reporting to the traffic police to explain the situation will likely exempt you from liability. Safety first: don't rush when encountering such situations; slow down first to confirm the road conditions before acting. The risk of point deductions mainly comes from reckless actions, such as forcing your way in or ignoring signals.
