How Long Can You Park on the Highway?

[LeEmma]

There are no mandatory regulations on how long you can park in the emergency stopping lane on the highway, but vehicles must leave the emergency stopping lane once the accident is resolved or the malfunction is fixed. The emergency stopping lane is designated for emergency use only; vehicles without malfunctions are strictly prohibited from parking in the emergency stopping lane for extended periods, and it cannot be used for passage. Any vehicle driving in the emergency stopping lane is considered a violation. Precautions for parking in the emergency lane are as follows: If you encounter an unavoidable issue such as a malfunction, park the vehicle in the emergency stopping lane, turn on the hazard warning lights, and place a warning sign 150 meters behind the vehicle. During nighttime, rain, fog, or other adverse weather conditions, you should 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 to request assistance. In case of traffic congestion ahead, parking or queuing in the emergency stopping lane is prohibited. Vehicle repairs are prohibited on highway bridges crossing rivers. If a driver's vehicle malfunctions and requires parking for repairs but fails to immediately turn on the hazard warning lights or move the vehicle to a location that does not obstruct traffic, penalties may apply. If a vehicle becomes immobile due to a malfunction or accident and fails to use lights or set up warning signs as required, the driver may be fined. Below are precautions for driving on the highway: Follow traffic rules: New drivers should pay attention to traffic regulations and display a novice driver sign. Highway speed limits: Check your vehicle before entering the highway. The minimum speed on the highway must not be lower than 60 km/h, and the maximum speed must not exceed 120 km/h. Merge early: When exiting the highway, merge into the outermost lane in advance. Pay attention to roadside signs indicating distances of 1.5 km or 1 km to prepare for merging. Maintain a safe distance: Keeping a safe distance is the most important factor for safe driving. Many inexperienced drivers misjudge distances, follow too closely, and may not brake in time.

[Winifred]

A seasoned driver with over 20 years of highway experience must seriously tell you: There's no such thing as 'how long you can stop' on the highway! Unless your vehicle breaks down and can't move, you shouldn't stop for even a second. Last month, I saw a car changing a spare tire on the emergency lane get rear-ended and flung over ten meters away. Really need a break? Drive honestly to the service area! Even if you're desperate to pee, hold it until the next exit—stopping on the emergency lane for a quick pee could cost your whole family's lives. If you must stop due to a breakdown, turn on your hazard lights + place the warning triangle 150 meters away, then quickly climb over the guardrail and squat outside while waiting for help. The longer you dawdle, the more dangerous it gets.

[SanAthena]

I've handled too many highway accident cars at my repair shop. One guy said 'I just stopped for five minutes to buy a bottle of water,' and his rearview mirror was gone. The traffic rules are crystal clear - the emergency lane is only for sudden emergencies. Don't even think about parking, walking there is suicidal - when a car comes at 120 km/h, braking won't make it in time. If you really can't hold on, pinch your thigh or shout to stay alert. The next service area is at most 20-30 kilometers away. Last year on the Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, a GL8 driver stopped at a curve to check navigation, resulting in three deaths and four injuries!

[McEmilio]

During my driving test, the instructor yelled so loud it hurt my ears: 'Parking on the highway? Only if you want to meet the King of Hell!' Last week, I took my younger brother on a long-distance drive, and the kid actually wanted to pull over to take photos of the sea of clouds. I was so mad I shouted at him: 'You think this is a residential parking lot?! Look at those reflective markers on the guardrails—each one paid for in blood.' If you absolutely must stop? It better be for life-threatening situations like engine smoke/blowout/fainting. Don’t hesitate to use the warning triangle, but placing it too close is as good as not placing it at all. Remember, memorizing the 12122 rescue number is a hundred times more important than remembering parking times!