How many hours constitute fatigued driving?
2 Answers
Fatigued driving is defined as driving for more than 4 hours without stopping for a rest. The details of fatigued driving are as follows: Introduction to Fatigued Driving: Fatigued driving refers to operating a vehicle while the driver's body is in a prolonged state of fatigue. It is a hidden danger that can lead to various traffic accidents. For the act of driving while excessively fatigued, the "Road Traffic Safety Law" authorizes provinces, cities, and autonomous regions to establish penalties within a fine range of up to 200 yuan. Penalties for Fatigued Driving: Article 62 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" stipulates: When driving a motor vehicle, the following behaviors are prohibited—continuously driving a medium-sized or larger passenger vehicle or a hazardous materials transport vehicle for more than 4 hours without stopping for a rest or stopping for less than 20 minutes, which will result in a 12-point deduction.
Over the years of driving, my deepest realization is that fatigue driving really shouldn't be rigidly calculated by hours. Some people get drowsy after just an hour or so, while others can last three hours without issues. But according to legal standards, you must take a break after driving continuously for more than 4 hours, with a minimum rest of 20 minutes—this is the absolute safety baseline. Once during a long trip, I pushed through for five hours and nearly hit a guardrail, which really scared me and broke me out in a cold sweat. Now I've learned my lesson: as soon as my eyes feel dry or my reactions slow down, I immediately pull into a service area. Having a coffee and resting for ten minutes is far better than forcing myself to continue. Actually, the fixed sitting posture in the driver's seat is particularly draining. I recommend proactively taking a break every two hours, especially when driving on highways at night.
