Qingming Festival in 2013 is just around the corner. Are you ready to hit the road with your beloved car? As city roads become increasingly congested and driving conditions more complex, getting out can be quite “challenging,” and traffic tickets have become one of the most troublesome “hurdles.” So, how can you avoid or at least minimize getting ticketed? Let’s hear some “smart tips” from traffic police in Neijiang City.
Beware of “traps”: Remote alleys are key monitoring spots
It’s normal to need to stop your car temporarily while driving. When you do need to stop briefly, make sure to choose a place without any “no parking” signs. It is understood that many intersection cameras nowadays can perform mobile shooting, and in some areas, there are even mobile police enforcement vehicles conducting random filming. Moreover, many new drivers assume that remote alleyways are unlikely to have traffic police enforcement. In fact, on narrow streets, illegally parked cars can obstruct traffic, making these spots common places where tickets are issued. Many drivers park under the false assumption that no police are around and that the alley is secluded — often resulting in a ticket.
Beware of “landmines”: Speeding and lane drifting are the easiest ways to get ticketed
“Speeding, illegal parking, running red lights, not wearing a seatbelt, driving over solid lines, going against traffic flow, or using prohibited lanes are all common violations,” said a relevant official from the Legal Propaganda Department of the Neijiang Public Security Bureau in an interview. Among these, speeding and lane drifting top the list as the most frequent causes of tickets.
Therefore, the most effective, safest, and most reliable method is: before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with traffic conditions, drive at reduced speeds, avoid racing or drunk driving. Prioritize the safety of yourself and your family, pay close attention to speed limit signs, and avoid exceeding the speed limit.
“Following too closely and accidentally running a red light is also something to watch out for.” Nowadays, urban roads are heavily congested, and it’s very common to get stuck in long queues after hitting a red light. Therefore, maintain a proper distance from the car in front before reaching intersections. This can effectively prevent rear-end collisions caused by sudden braking, as well as avoid accidentally running a red light due to obstructed views.
Play it safe: Use GPS wisely but don’t rely solely on it
“I usually follow the prompts from my radar detector and never speed in limited zones — what’s the harm in waiting that extra minute?” said Mr. Zeng, a resident of Neijiang, who is very rule-abiding. He thinks having a radar detector is great because it alerts you to speed limits on different road sections. However, whether one actually follows those alerts varies from person to person.
In addition, most cars come equipped with GPS navigation, which is indeed very helpful for driving. But traffic police advise that while it can be used as a reference, one should not overly rely on it. Urban development is extremely fast, and navigation updates often cannot keep up with real-time road changes. Therefore, besides relying on GPS, it's important to also pay attention to actual road signs to avoid violations caused by incorrect navigation instructions.
Friendly reminder: Strengthen your knowledge of traffic rules
“Not knowing that solid single yellow lines cannot be crossed, or not fully remembering the meanings of police gestures, traffic lights, or road markings... all stem from a lack of knowledge.” Therefore, new drivers are more prone to getting tickets due to unfamiliarity. In addition to studying the rules, it’s even more crucial to learn how to avoid violations.
1. Avoid parking for extended periods in front of stations, hospitals, or other special venues. Parking in these areas significantly increases the chance of getting a ticket, so it’s best to avoid these spots altogether.
2. Don’t change lanes in solid line zones on overpasses or in tunnels. Lane changing in remote tunnels or on overpasses where solid lines are present not only risks getting a ticket but also poses serious safety hazards.
3. Do not drive in lanes designated for non-motorized vehicles. Even if you’re not stopped by police on the spot, driving in bicycle-only lanes could still result in being caught on camera.