How Long Does 'No Long-Term Parking' on the Roadside Refer To?

[DelEverly]

The 'No Long-Term Parking' sign means that drivers cannot use the area as a parking lot but can only make short stops without leaving the vehicle, generally not exceeding half an hour. Typically, traffic police will determine this based on the following two scenarios: 1. Check if the car is turned off. If the car is turned off, the police may mistakenly assume it has been parked for a long time and issue a ticket, resulting in fines and penalty points. 2. Check if there is anyone in the car. If someone is present, it will be considered a temporary stop; otherwise, if no one is inside, a ticket may be issued.

[NicoleMarie]

I've been driving for decades and am quite familiar with roadside parking rules. There's no nationwide standard for 'long-term parking'—it varies by locality. Generally, in big cities, the temporary roadside parking zones set 15 to 20 minutes as the threshold, beyond which you're likely to get fined. For instance, I once got a ticket in Guangzhou for parking half an hour while running errands, especially since police are stricter during rush hours. Why these rules? Mainly to prevent congestion and reduce accident risks. Smaller cities might be more lenient, with 20 minutes often acceptable, but it's best to check if signs specify time limits. I recommend setting a phone alarm when parking to avoid exceeding 15 minutes and unnecessary trouble. For longer stays, formal parking lots are more cost-effective. Getting caught not only means a 100 to 200 RMB fine but also affects your driving mood, which isn't safe. Always stay updated via local traffic broadcasts or apps to avoid risks.

[JaxonDella]

As a young car owner, I also struggled with this when I first started driving. 'Long-term parking' usually exceeds the limit after about 20 minutes, but it depends on the location and time. When parked on city streets, 15 minutes is generally the maximum because traffic is heavy during peak hours, and police patrol to check. I remember last time in Hangzhou near West Lake, I parked for just 18 minutes to handle an urgent matter and got a ticket. It's not a strict rule—local signs often say 'Temporary parking for 10 minutes' or similar reminders. The way to avoid it is simple: finish your business quickly after parking and leave, or use a navigation app to find nearby parking lots. Don’t take chances—if you exceed the limit too often, your car might even get towed, which is a huge hassle. I recommend new drivers pay attention to these details and develop good parking habits to avoid regrets later.

[LaLuke]

As a safety-conscious driver, I understand that 'no long-term parking' restrictions usually limit stops to within 15 minutes, which are temporary rules implemented for road safety. The reason is straightforward: prolonged roadside parking can lead to pedestrian accidents or traffic congestion, especially in busy areas. Although regulations vary by location, it's generally advised to leave within 10 to 15 minutes to avoid violations. For example, parking too long along Beijing's Second Ring Road may result in verbal warnings or tickets from police. If signs specify exact durations, like 'No Parking Beyond 20 Minutes', strict compliance is required. It's wise to set a timer as a reminder to prevent overstaying risks.