Can the emergency lane on the highway be used for temporary parking?
3 Answers
Highway emergency lanes cannot be used for temporary parking. Only in special circumstances, such as vehicle breakdowns, is temporary parking permitted. However, parking or driving on the highway emergency lane under non-emergency conditions violates road traffic safety laws and regulations. Precautions for temporary parking on the highway emergency lane are as follows: 1. Immediately turn on the hazard lights after parking in the emergency lane and set up a triangular warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle. 2. All passengers should move to a safe area (outside the guardrail). 3. If the emergency lane is occupied at night, the width marker lights and rear lights should also be turned on to alert following vehicles.
The emergency lane is absolutely not designed for temporary parking, which I deeply understand from years of traffic safety work. On highways, vehicles move at high speeds, and the emergency lane is reserved for genuine emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns or ambulances passing by. If you casually stop to make a phone call or take a break, the risk is extremely high; the following vehicle might not be able to stop in time, leading to a chain-reaction collision. I once witnessed a rear-end accident firsthand, and the scene was truly horrifying. Blocking the emergency lane can also hinder rescue efforts. According to regulations, illegal parking carries a fine of 200 yuan and 6 penalty points. For safety, I always recommend planning routes to make full use of service areas, which offer restrooms, dining options, and safety. Remember, if your car isn’t broken down, don’t stop—it’s better to exit the highway and find a gas station. Regular maintenance of tires and engine oil can reduce unexpected issues on the road, making your journey smoother.
I've driven long distances many times and once felt so exhausted that I considered stopping on the emergency lane to rest. But seeing cars whizzing by scared me into breaking out in a cold sweat, immediately dismissing the idea. The emergency lane is strictly for emergencies like flat tires or breakdowns. Don't believe those who say stopping briefly is fine – police regularly patrol and issue fines with penalty points, starting at 200 yuan or even towing your car, causing delays. My habit is to check maps in advance and plan service area stops, taking a break every two hours for safety. A cup of coffee is enough to regain energy. Safe driving starts with small details – don't risk big losses for minor conveniences.
