How long does parking on the highway count as a traffic violation?
3 Answers
On highways, parking is considered a traffic violation regardless of duration, except for special reasons. Here is a brief introduction about highway parking: 1. Under non-emergency circumstances: Parking should be done in service areas for rest. According to Order No. 123 of the Ministry of Public Security: Occupying the emergency lane under non-emergency circumstances results in a fine of 200 yuan and 6 penalty points. If not in a traffic jam, parking on the driving lane or overtaking lane is also prohibited. According to Order No. 123 [2012] of the Ministry of Public Security: Parking a commercial vehicle in the lane results in a fine of 200 yuan and 12 penalty points. Parking a non-commercial vehicle in the lane results in a fine of 200 yuan and 6 penalty points. 2. Under emergency circumstances: If a vehicle experiences mechanical failure on the highway, the hazard warning lights should be turned on immediately, the vehicle should be parked on the emergency lane, and a warning sign should be placed 150 meters behind the vehicle.
Regarding the duration for illegal parking on highways, there actually isn't a specific minute threshold. Based on my driving experience, any unjustified stop on the highway constitutes a violation, regardless of how brief it is. Even stopping for just a few seconds to adjust navigation or switch drivers can result in fines and penalty points if caught by surveillance or traffic police. The rules clearly state that stopping on the emergency lane is only permitted in emergencies like vehicle breakdowns, accidents, or health issues, and immediate action must be taken. I've seen numerous cases where someone pulled over for just 30 seconds to relieve themselves and got penalized. The key is safety first: highway speeds are high, making stopping risky and prone to causing rear-end collisions. Therefore, always check tire pressure and oil levels before trips to minimize unexpected stops. Try to rest at service areas instead of taking risks.
When it comes to highway parking issues, I understand everyone's concerns about time limits, but the truth is that parking at any time could be a violation. When I first got my driver's license, I curiously asked my instructor: you can't park on the highway without reason, there's no specific second or minute threshold. For example, if you park for 1 minute waiting for a friend and get caught, you'll be fined; but if you have a flat tire and stop in the emergency lane waiting for a tow truck, usually the police will understand and not fine you within a few minutes. Safety is very important, parking increases the risk of accidents, and my friend almost had an accident. I recommend developing good habits: check coolant and brakes before driving, plan your route to rest at service areas, and carry a first aid kit for emergencies, so you won't park recklessly on the highway.
