How Long Can You Rest at a Highway Service Area?

[SanBryce]

Highway service areas do not impose restrictions on rest time, but expressways may charge overtime fees. Here is relevant information: 1. Overtime fee: The overtime fee is a nationwide highway network measure to prevent illegal activities such as toll evasion by card swapping. Most expressways in the country have procedures for handling overtime driving vehicles, but the time spent resting in service areas and delays due to traffic accidents can be deducted. 2. Regulations: According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, the minimum speed limit on China's expressways is generally 60 kilometers per hour, which already provides drivers with ample time, including allowances for rest and refueling. If drivers need more time to rest or are delayed due to refueling or vehicle repairs, as long as they have corresponding receipts or proof verified by the toll station, it will not be counted as overtime.

[DiJayla]

When driving on the highway, I often take breaks at service areas, with the duration mainly depending on personal needs and travel arrangements. Generally speaking, there are no strict rules on how long you must rest. Service areas are open rest stops where you can stay for a few minutes to several hours. Personally, I usually stop every two to three hours for a fifteen to thirty-minute break to stretch or grab a bite. However, resting too long might delay your trip or be mistaken for loitering, which could inconvenience others. More importantly, avoiding fatigued driving is crucial—experts recommend taking a short break every two hours to significantly reduce accident risks. During my last long-distance trip, a quick nap at a service area refreshed me greatly, as safety always comes first. Remember to check your vehicle’s condition, such as tire pressure, before setting off again. This habit has kept me safe for years of driving.

[CassidyRose]

When traveling with family, our rest stops at highway service areas are quite flexible, depending on the children's condition. We might stay for just five to ten minutes for a bathroom break before leaving, or sometimes linger for half an hour to let the kids have some snacks and stretch their legs. There's no time limit at the service areas themselves, so we can arrange our time freely, but we avoid overstaying to keep the overall schedule on track. Fatigue driving is dangerous, especially with kids, so I always remind myself to take regular breaks to stay alert. The facilities are decent, allowing us to replenish food and water before hitting the road again. Safety always comes first—that's my key takeaway.

[CollinRose]

There is no fixed time requirement for resting at the service area when driving on the highway. You can stay as long as you want. The service area is mainly a temporary adjustment space for drivers and passengers. Stopping for ten or twenty minutes is enough—it won't delay things and can help restore energy. Fatigue driving is a common cause of highway accidents, so it's recommended to take reasonable breaks to ensure safety. Just remember not to park at the service area for extended periods.