How many consecutive hours of driving is considered fatigued driving?
3 Answers
Continuous driving for 4 hours is considered fatigued driving, for the following reasons: According to Article 62 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law, the following acts are prohibited when driving a motor vehicle: 1. Driving when the doors or compartments are not properly closed; 2. Hanging or placing items within the front or rear windows of the motor vehicle's cab that obstruct the driver's view; 3. Making or receiving calls on handheld phones, watching TV, or other acts that hinder safe driving; 4. Turning off the engine or coasting in neutral when going down a steep slope; 5. Throwing items onto the road; 6. Riding a motorcycle with hands off the handlebars or hanging items on the handlebars; 7. Driving a motor vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without stopping for a break or stopping for less than 20 minutes; 8. Honking the horn in areas or sections where honking is prohibited.
Driving continuously for more than 4 hours can easily be considered fatigued driving, which is no trivial matter—I've experienced it firsthand on long trips. Legally, many regions mandate at least a 20-minute break after 4 hours of continuous driving; otherwise, it's classified as fatigued driving. When fatigued, people yawn, eyelids droop, attention wanders, and reaction times slow to a snail's pace, with accident risks soaring severalfold. I remember once pushing through for 5 hours and nearly rear-ending another car, breaking out in a cold sweat. In reality, fatigue thresholds vary by individual—older drivers or those sleep-deprived might struggle after just 3 hours. Heed your body's signals; don't wait for trouble. Make extra stops at rest areas to stretch and hydrate—safety far outweighs saving time.
I think the limit for fatigue driving is around 4 hours of continuous driving, but personal experience tells me it depends on the situation. When I was younger, I often drove long distances and would feel tired after just 3 hours, especially at night or on highways where the monotonous road conditions made me drowsy. The regulations say 4 hours is the standard, but in reality, young or inexperienced drivers are more prone to fatigue because they lack experience and their attention depletes faster. When fatigued, vision blurs, judgment falters, and accidents become more likely. I recommend planning your trip in advance, taking short breaks every 2-3 hours, and having some snacks to stay alert. Don’t rely on coffee—it only temporarily masks the problem. Remember, your body is honest; if you feel sleepy, pull over and rest immediately. Don’t push yourself to keep driving.
