Can the emergency lane on the highway be used for temporary parking?
2 Answers
Highway emergency lanes can be used for temporary parking, and here is an extended introduction: 1. Emergency lanes should not be used for parking under non-emergency situations: to avoid delaying vehicles and personnel who truly need assistance. Feeling tired while driving is considered a non-emergency situation, and drivers should proceed to the nearest service area or exit the highway to rest adequately in their vehicle or at a hotel before continuing their journey, to prevent impaired driving and potential safety hazards. 2. Emergency lanes on highways must not be used for arbitrary parking: Parking is only allowed when the vehicle experiences mechanical failure or other emergencies. Any vehicle driving in the 'emergency lane' is considered a violation. Traffic police will penalize such violations according to the 'Road Traffic Safety Regulations of the People's Republic of China.'
That emergency lane on the highway is, frankly speaking, meant for saving lives, so don't just park there casually. Last time I was on a long-distance drive, I heard from traffic police that illegally occupying the emergency lane without a genuine emergency can result in a minimum fine of 200 yuan plus 9 penalty points. You're only allowed to pull over if you encounter real emergencies like vehicle breakdowns, tire blowouts, or sudden illnesses among passengers. Even then, you must immediately turn on the hazard lights, and everyone in the vehicle should quickly move behind the guardrail—never linger near the lane. Oh, and remember to place a warning triangle 150 meters away; otherwise, approaching vehicles won't have enough time to react. Honestly, service areas are available every few dozen kilometers—if you need a break, it's always safest to drive to a proper rest stop.
