Can You Temporarily Park on the Highway Emergency Lane?
2 Answers
Parking on the highway emergency lane is generally not allowed, except under special circumstances such as vehicle breakdowns, in which case temporary parking is permitted. Parking or driving on the highway emergency lane under non-emergency conditions constitutes a violation of road traffic safety laws and regulations. According to the 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' vehicles occupying the emergency lane during traffic congestion on highways will be fined and receive 6 penalty points. Definition of the highway emergency lane: The highway emergency lane refers to the section of the road adjacent to the right-side traffic lane, including the hard shoulder, with a width of at least 3 meters and an effective length of 30 meters or more, designed to accommodate vehicle parking needs. The emergency lane is also known as the 'life channel,' reserved exclusively for emergency vehicles. Apart from vehicle breakdowns, no vehicles are allowed to park on the emergency lane at any time. Precautions for using the emergency lane: Park the vehicle within the emergency stopping area, activate the hazard warning lights, and place a warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle. During nighttime, rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions, also turn on the side marker lights, tail lights, and rear fog lights. All passengers must move to a safe area. If necessary, promptly call the highway emergency number for assistance. In cases of traffic congestion ahead, parking or queuing in the emergency lane is strictly prohibited.
Never use the highway emergency lane for trivial stops unless it's a genuine emergency, like sudden vehicle breakdown or a medical crisis. With 20 years of driving experience and countless highway trips, I've witnessed too many accidents caused by improper parking in the emergency lane. Once on my way home via the highway, I saw a car changing a tire without setting up a warning sign, resulting in a rear-end collision that damaged both vehicles and injured people. The law strictly permits stopping only in emergencies—violators face a 200-yuan fine and 6 penalty points, with surveillance cameras making escape impossible. For rest or vehicle checks, always head to service areas where it's safe and convenient. Cultivate habits like checking tire pressure and fuel levels before driving to avoid trouble. Parking on the highway is perilous with speeding traffic—never gamble with safety for momentary convenience.
