Will reversing at an intersection result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Reversing at an intersection will result in penalty points, specifically 3 points. Precautions for reversing are as follows: Caution 1: Be aware of vehicle blind spots. Almost all vehicles have blind spots, and even convertibles cannot avoid them. Most accidents caused by reversing are due to vehicle blind spots, with nearly all incidents involving hitting or running over children being attributed to these blind spots. Caution 2: Do not rely too heavily on electronic assistance devices when reversing. Just as vehicles have blind spots, electronic aids like reversing radars also have their limitations. If you solely depend on these devices during reversing without actually observing the surrounding environment with your own eyes, the next accident may not be far away.
I've been driving for many years and have witnessed quite a few instances of reckless reversing at intersections. To be honest, that's a point-deducting offense. Specifically, such behavior is defined as a traffic violation in road traffic regulations, with common penalties being a 3-point deduction and a fine of several hundred yuan. For example, once when I was driving downtown, I saw a driver reversing nearly hit an electric bike passing through on a green light, and the police issued an on-the-spot ticket. The reason is simple: intersections are crowded with pedestrians and vehicles, with many blind spots. If you don't check all mirrors thoroughly, you might hit a pedestrian or a vehicle behind you. I'd also suggest that if you accidentally miss an intersection, it's best to drive forward to find a safe spot, like a gas station or parking space, to adjust your direction. Urban roads are complex; spending a few extra minutes detouring is always better than risking point deductions. The key is to develop good driving habits—observe carefully before taking action.
I just got my driver's license and am still in the practice phase. My instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must never reverse at an intersection, or you'll get penalty points. They said those areas have heavy traffic flow, and reversing can easily cause accidents. If caught by the police, you could be penalized with points (like three) and a fine. Personal experience tells me that beginners are especially prone to nervousness. If you accidentally cross the solid line and enter the intersection by mistake, stay calm and drive forward—don’t rush to reverse. At driving school, we simulated various scenarios, and there were quite a few cases of rear-end collisions caused by reversing at intersections—it’s genuinely unsafe. So I’ve learned my lesson: every time I approach an intersection, I plan my route in advance to avoid mistakes. An extra reminder for everyone: during rush hour when intersections are congested, reversing is even more inadvisable. Waiting patiently for passage is the safer choice—following the rules ensures safety.