Can you switch drivers on the highway emergency lane?
2 Answers
It is not allowed to stop and switch drivers on the highway emergency lane to avoid accidental traffic accidents, as it is considered a violation and subject to penalties. The purpose of the emergency lane: The emergency lane is specifically designated for official vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police or military vehicles during emergencies. It is located on the far-right lane of the highway, separated by a solid white line. Where you can switch drivers: Normally, driver changes are only permitted within service areas. Except in special cases, such as when the driver's physical condition necessitates a change for safety reasons, stopping briefly on the emergency lane to switch drivers is allowed and not considered a violation. However, this must be done with hazard lights on, following proper procedures, and resolving the situation promptly without prolonged stopping.
Hey, this is actually a pretty common issue. Last time I went on a road trip with friends, one of them almost did the same thing. According to traffic regulations, the emergency lane on highways is absolutely not for switching drivers unless you have a genuine emergency, like a sudden breakdown or a medical emergency. With fast-moving traffic on highways, stopping in the emergency lane to switch drivers is extremely dangerous. If a rear-end collision happens, the consequences could be disastrous. As someone who's been driving for a long time, I know safety comes first. It's best to wait for a service area or exit rest stop to switch drivers—those places have full facilities and are much safer. Highway rules are strict; parking in the emergency lane without reason can lead to fines and penalty points, usually a few hundred yuan plus 3 points deducted, which really isn’t worth it. Remember, no matter how tired or rushed you are, always plan ahead to take breaks and switch drivers at service areas. That’s the smart move—don’t cut corners and put yourself in danger.
