Will points be deducted if lane markings are invisible on snowy days?
3 Answers
Generally, no points will be deducted if lane markings are invisible on snowy days. Relevant regulations: Traffic police departments have stated that exposure photos of unclear lane markings due to snow coverage on the road will not be used as evidence. Drivers need not worry, but they are advised to drive at low speeds and follow the instructions of traffic officers during snowy conditions. However, this does not mean drivers can disregard traffic laws and drive recklessly in the snow. Intentional traffic violations, such as illegal U-turns or driving in the wrong direction, will still be penalized according to relevant standards. Tips for driving in snowy conditions: Before heading out, check the vehicle's safety conditions to prevent breakdowns that could affect road traffic. The significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car on snowy days can cause fogging on the windows, leading to blurred vision. In such cases, promptly activate the window defogging function or turn on the air conditioning, or use a towel to wipe the windows dry to ensure clear driving visibility. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Increase the following distance between vehicles. On snowy days, the following distance should be 2-3 times greater than on dry roads. Drive straight as much as possible and avoid unnecessary lane changes. Generally, avoid overtaking. When driving on icy curves or slopes, reduce speed in advance and pass through smoothly.
As a new driver who just got my license, I've encountered several situations where I couldn't see road markings while driving in snowy conditions. My instructor taught me that this could indeed lead to point deductions during driving tests, especially if you deviate from your lane or make dangerous maneuvers. However, in actual driving, safety is more important. I would slow down, turn on my lights to improve visibility, and closely follow the tracks of the vehicle ahead as temporary reference lines. I remember one time when the snow was so heavy that I had to rely on roadside trees and streetlights to determine my direction, and everything turned out fine. But if you lose control or cause an accident because of this, traffic police may deduct points or impose fines based on the specific circumstances. So it's important to regularly check your vehicle's anti-slip features, such as using snow tires or antifreeze, to make winter driving more stable. It's best to check the weather forecast in advance during snowy days, minimize travel, or practice winter driving skills to prevent accidents.
With over 20 years of driving experience, I'm quite familiar with situations where lane markings become invisible during snowfall. Legally, if you're caught or inspected for not staying within your lane under such conditions, you're likely to face penalty points and fines. However, obscured road markings are a common occurrence—the real challenge lies in how to handle it. I always remind myself and friends to maintain low speed, use fog lights, and use road edges or roadside obstacles as navigation references. Don't stubbornly try to follow invisible lines; if you skid or rear-end someone, you might not only get penalized but also need to file an insurance claim. For safety, check your vehicle before snow hits—defrosters and brake systems are crucial to minimize risks. Stay focused during everyday driving, pay full attention to changing road conditions, and you'll avoid trouble.
