How long is the duration defined as 'no long-term parking'?
3 Answers
The exact duration defined as 'long-term parking' in no long-term parking zones is not specifically stipulated in current traffic regulations. However, if the vehicle is left unattended in such areas, it will definitely receive a ticket. As long as there is someone in the car who can drive away promptly when noticed by traffic police, no penalty will be imposed. Below is relevant information about illegal parking: 1. Legal basis for penalties: Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states that motor vehicle drivers violating road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road usage shall be given a warning or fined between 20 and 200 yuan. 2. Illegal parking: Vehicles must not park in sections with no-parking signs/markings, on road segments with separation facilities between motor and non-motor lanes/sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, or construction zones. Parking is also prohibited within 50 meters of intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads under 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, and tunnels.
Having driven for many years, I am very familiar with the regulations prohibiting long-term parking. The usual time limit is around 3 to 5 minutes, meaning you cannot park for too long. For instance, on busy streets or in no-parking zones, drivers must stay in the car with the engine running and stop only briefly. If you exceed the time limit, traffic police will issue a ticket. I remember once in Beijing, I parked for 4 minutes to buy water and ended up with a 200-yuan fine. Nowadays, city regulations are very detailed, varying by location and time: Beijing might allow 3 minutes, Shanghai sometimes has even shorter limits, while rural areas may be more lenient. The key is to pay attention to the signs and traffic flow. To avoid trouble, I always set a timer on my phone to remind myself to leave quickly. Everyone should be mindful of safety and avoid blocking the road—fines are expensive, and it also inconveniences others.
When I first got my driver's license, I didn't understand this time limit either. No long-term parking generally refers to a very short duration, about 2 to 5 minutes, depending on where you are. The driving manual states that temporary parking shouldn't exceed a few minutes, and the driver must remain in the vehicle ready to leave at any time. During my first week of driving, I parked by the roadside for 6 minutes waiting for a friend and ended up getting fined. New drivers often make mistakes because the signs are too complex. I recommend checking local traffic websites for rules or downloading official apps to study. For example, Hangzhou has a clear schedule, allowing only 3 minutes of parking in the city center. In short, don't park for too long for convenience—urge your friend to come out quickly to avoid surprises.