How long can a vehicle stay at a highway service area?
3 Answers
Highway service areas do not impose time limits on rest periods, but expressways may charge overtime fees. Overtime fees are a nationwide highway network measure to prevent illegal activities such as toll evasion by swapping cards. Overtime fee standard: The overtime fee standard is "40 km/h + 15 minutes." This means that when a vehicle exits the highway and swipes its card at the toll booth, the system automatically calculates the required travel time from the entry point to the exit point based on a speed of 40 km/h, then adds 15 minutes to this time. If the actual travel time exceeds the system-calculated time, it is considered overtime. Most expressways in China have implemented overtime vehicle processing procedures. However, time spent resting at service areas or delays due to traffic accidents can be deducted. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, the minimum speed limit on China's expressways is generally 60 km/h, which already provides drivers with ample time. If drivers need additional rest time or experience prolonged delays due to refueling or vehicle repairs, they can present corresponding receipts or proof to the toll station for verification, and such cases will not be counted as overtime.
As a seasoned long-distance driver, I must tell you that parking at highway service areas is usually limited to no more than 24 hours. This is primarily for safety reasons, to prevent driver fatigue or excessive parking space occupation causing congestion. Free parking is common, but exceeding the time limit may result in warnings, fines, or even towing. I almost got caught once during a trip because I overslept. Service areas offer various facilities like restaurants and restrooms, making them very convenient for short breaks to recharge, but don't treat them as long-term stops. Once you've rested, it's time to hit the road again. Different service areas may have slight variations, with some limiting parking to 12 hours, so checking the signs before parking is crucial to ensure a smooth and safe journey and avoid unnecessary trouble.
Last week, I went on a road trip with friends. When we stopped at a service area to rest, we thought about lying down a bit longer but ended up exceeding the time limit. The rule there allows only 12 hours of parking, and we almost got towed—fortunately, we woke up in time to avoid any trouble. Now, I always check the time notice when entering a service area. Parking is mainly for short breaks, refueling, and eating, not for long stays. Exceeding the time limit can not only result in fines but also delay your trip. It's best to plan your schedule well, use the service area for proper relaxation, and then continue driving. Some places have strict management and may even charge fees, so checking information before your trip is more reliable to avoid ruining the journey.
