Can I stop on the highway emergency lane for a while?
2 Answers
Highway emergency lanes are not to be used for stopping unless in emergency situations. Due to the high speeds on highways, sudden stops can lead to rear-end collisions, potentially causing severe damage or fatalities. In case of an emergency requiring a stop, the vehicle must be pulled over to the emergency lane or the nearest exit should be taken to leave the highway as soon as possible. Permissible reasons for stopping on the highway emergency lane include tire blowouts, brake or steering failure, accidents, fires, explosions, or other emergencies. Stopping on the emergency lane for other reasons is prohibited. The correct stopping procedure is: 1. Turn on the right turn signal in advance; 2. Safely move out of the original lane and stop in the emergency lane or on the shoulder; 3. Immediately activate the hazard warning lights; 4. Stay in the rightmost lane or the emergency lane.
I've been driving for most of my life, with countless miles on the highway, so I know this very well. The emergency lane on the highway is absolutely not a place to stop casually—it's not for us to take a break. I remember once during a long highway drive, I saw someone stopped in the emergency lane to relieve themselves, and the car behind almost crashed into them, nearly causing a chain collision. On the highway, speeds are too fast, averaging over 100 km/h, and drivers have only a few seconds to react. A sudden stop can easily lead to a rear-end collision or even more serious crashes. The emergency lane is only for real emergencies, like a car breakdown or sudden health issues, and you must turn on hazard lights and set up warning signs immediately. Normally, you must hold on until you reach a service area or exit to handle things. Safety comes first—don’t cut corners and put yourself at risk.
