Support us

CrosswindChina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
China

27. Crosswind

Crosswind is wind blowing across the direction of travel and can push a vehicle sideways or affect its stability. Strong or sudden gusts are especially dangerous for motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, trailers and high-sided vehicles. Drivers should reduce speed, keep a firm but relaxed grip on the steering wheel and allow extra space from other road users. Particular care is needed on bridges, exposed roads and when passing large vehicles or leaving sheltered areas, where a sudden change in wind force can move the vehicle unexpectedly.

Crosswind
Warning for heavy crosswind. (Mengzi, China)
Wikimedia.org • N509FZ • CC BY-SA
What is a crosswind?

A crosswind is wind that blows across the direction in which a vehicle is travelling and can push it sideways.

Why are crosswinds dangerous when driving?

Strong crosswinds and sudden gusts can affect steering and vehicle stability, particularly at higher speeds or on exposed roads.

Which vehicles are most affected by crosswinds?

Motorcycles, bicycles, caravans, trailers and high-sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable because wind can have a greater effect on their balance or large side surfaces.

How should you drive in strong crosswinds?

Reduce speed, keep a firm but relaxed grip on the steering wheel and allow extra space from other road users. Be prepared to correct the vehicle smoothly when gusts change direction or strength.

Where are crosswinds most dangerous?

Crosswinds can be particularly strong on bridges, exposed roads, open countryside and coastal routes, and when leaving tunnels, cuttings or other sheltered areas.

Why can passing a large vehicle be dangerous in strong wind?

A large vehicle can temporarily shelter you from the wind. When you pass it or leave its shelter, the crosswind can suddenly affect your vehicle again, requiring a smooth steering correction.

1 China 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Bike path 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Rockfall 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Priority at the next junction 32 Traffic lights 33 Traffic lights warning 34 Pedestrian lights 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Traffic mirror 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 No stopping 41 Disabled parking 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Provisional licence 46 Emergency exit 47 Runaway truck ramp 48 Horn 49 Axle weight limit 50 Charging station 51 Pedestrian 52 Motorcycle 53 Car 54 Truck 55 Bus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 Taxi 59 Police signals 60 Pothole 61 Path 62 Particulates 63 Air pollution 64 Rush hour 65 Road code 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 Bicycle 78 Motorcycle equipment 79 Rail track 80 Caravan 81 Trailer 82 Tow hitch 83 Fire truck 84 Siren 85 Convoy 86 Emergency vehicle lighting 87 Agricultural machinery 88 Electric bicycle 89 Electric vehicle 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Microcar 93 All-terrain vehicle 94 Van 95 Recreational vehicle 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Personal mobility device 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...