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. The overtime fee is a nationwide highway network measure to prevent illegal activities such as toll evasion through card swapping. Relevant details are as follows: Overtime Fee Standard: The 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 based on the distance from the entry point to the exit point at a speed of 40 km/h, then adds 15 minutes to this time. If the actual travel time of the vehicle exceeds the system-calculated time, it is considered overtime. Most expressways in China have implemented procedures for handling overtime vehicles. 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. This standard already provides drivers with ample time. If drivers need additional rest time or experience delays due to refueling or vehicle repairs, they can present corresponding receipts or proof to the toll booth for verification, and such time will not be counted as overtime.
As a veteran driver who frequently travels long distances, I'd like to share some experience: There are no fixed legal regulations on parking duration at highway service areas. Generally, you can park for several days without being asked to leave, but in practice, it's advisable not to exceed 24 hours as service areas are primarily designed for rest, refueling, and replenishment. Parking for too long, such as overnight or more, might be considered vehicle abandonment or space occupation, prompting inquiries from service area administrators or security personnel. Regarding safety, highway driving is prone to fatigue. I always limit my stops to under 2 hours - just enough time to stretch my legs, use the restroom, grab some snacks, and move on. Prolonged parking also increases vehicle malfunction risks, like battery drainage. When planning your trip, it's wiser to check service area facilities (such as charging station availability) in advance.
Our family often goes on road trips with kids, and the parking time at rest areas mainly depends on our needs: using the restroom, changing diapers, or eating. Typically, staying for 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient, and we don’t recommend exceeding half a day. Although there are no strict time limits at rest areas, to avoid blocking space for other vehicles, it’s best to leave after using the facilities, especially during peak hours in restroom and dining areas. From a safety perspective, fatigue driving rules suggest taking a break every 2 hours, so we always plan rest stops to let the kids run around or grab a snack, avoiding long stays. Most rest areas are free, but some places may have time limit warnings. On long trips, we’ve also encountered rest areas that close at night, so it’s important to check in advance.
