How long can vehicles park on the roadside yellow dashed line?
3 Answers
Vehicles can generally park on the roadside yellow dashed line for about ten minutes. Here is some relevant information about roadside yellow dashed lines: 1. Meaning of roadside yellow dashed lines: Roadside yellow dashed lines indicate that long-term parking is prohibited. Yellow lines are used to separate lanes in different directions and are usually painted in the middle of the road, acting like a divider that splits the road into two directions. 2. Classification of roadside yellow lines: There are two types of yellow lines: solid yellow lines and dashed yellow lines, each with different meanings. A solid yellow line is a prohibition line that serves as a warning not to cross. When a single solid yellow line is marked on the edge of the road, it becomes a 'no-parking marking,' indicating that no vehicles are allowed to park along that section of the road. The length of the line determines the length of the no-parking zone.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and those yellow dashed lines on the roadside are all too familiar. Generally, yellow dashed lines indicate no long-term parking but allow temporary stops, such as for picking up/dropping off passengers or loading/unloading goods. The exact allowable duration depends on local traffic regulations—most cities only permit 3-5 minutes, with a maximum of 10 minutes. You must leave immediately when time's up, or else the police will issue a ticket. Over the years, I've seen many drivers park improperly along yellow lines, causing traffic jams or accidents. Once in the northern part of the city, a friend ignored the rules and parked for twenty minutes—his car got towed, costing him a thousand yuan in fees. For safety, always check for time-limit signs nearby before parking, or use a parking app to find legal spots. Temporary stops are meant for convenience—don’t push your luck and invite trouble.
I just got my driver's license less than half a year ago, and I'm also quite curious about the yellow lines on the roadside. The instructor said that you can't park for a long time on yellow dashed lines—only for temporary use, and stopping for too short a time can result in a fine. The general rule is within 5 minutes, such as when picking up or dropping off kids or waiting for a delivery; exceeding that might be a violation. Regulations vary by city. For example, in Beijing, I’ve seen some places allow 7 minutes, while Shanghai might be stricter. I recommend circling around to check for road signs or asking nearby security guards before parking. If you don’t have time to check, just finish your business quickly and drive off to avoid getting caught by surveillance cameras and fined. New drivers tend to get nervous, but remember, these rules are for smooth traffic flow—safety comes first. I usually use Amap to find parking spots, which makes things much easier.
