How long does it take for an illegal parking camera to record a violation?
2 Answers
Illegal parking refers to the act of a motor vehicle driver parking their vehicle on urban sidewalks (from the curb to the outer edge of street-facing buildings) without using the legally designated parking spaces allocated by urban management authorities. Generally, parking should not exceed 5 minutes, and in some areas, it should not exceed 3 minutes. How much is the fine for illegal parking? 1. On-site illegal parking penalties: For violations of road traffic safety laws regarding vehicle parking, if the driver is present, traffic police can point out the violation, issue a verbal warning, and order the driver to leave immediately. Typically, the driver only needs to leave promptly without facing a fine. If the driver refuses to leave and the parked vehicle obstructs other vehicles or pedestrians, the traffic police may impose a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. 2. Off-site illegal parking penalties: If the driver is not present, in addition to issuing a fine and a ticket, if the parked vehicle obstructs other vehicles or pedestrians, the traffic police department has the authority to tow the vehicle to a location that does not hinder traffic or to a designated parking area specified by the traffic management authorities.
I've been driving for several years, mostly in the city, and the issue of illegal parking cameras has been a constant concern. Generally, if a vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone for more than 30 to 60 seconds, it will trigger a photo and result in a parking ticket. This time limit isn't fixed—different cities have different regulations. For example, some main roads in Beijing enforce a 30-second rule, while Shanghai might allow 40 seconds, and Guangzhou slightly longer at 50 seconds. However, it ultimately depends on the on-site signage and traffic flow. Last time, I dropped off a relative at a supermarket entrance and waited 50 seconds for loading/unloading—got caught and had to pay a 200-yuan fine, which really stung. Remember, cameras are usually positioned at intersections or school zones to prevent congestion and accidents, but they're overly sensitive and annoying. When driving daily, I make it a habit to plan parking spots in advance or use my phone’s map for camera alerts. Never park near yellow lines or no-parking signs for more than 20 seconds. After all, fines are one thing, but causing an accident would be worse. In short, exceeding 30 seconds is risky, so developing safe habits saves hassle.
