How many minutes can you park at a no-parking sign?
3 Answers
You can park for a maximum of 5 minutes at a no-parking sign. Here are the specific details about no temporary parking signs: 1. Blue background sign: A blue background sign on the road with a red circle and a red cross indicates no vehicle parking or long-term parking. 2. Yellow solid line: Temporary parking is not allowed on roads with yellow grid signs, zebra crossings, guiding lines, or yellow solid lines on both sides of the road. 3. P sign: A sign with the word 'Stop' or 'P' and a red diagonal line in the middle indicates no parking. 4. No-parking zones: There are also legally designated areas and related zones where temporary parking is not allowed. For example: within 50 meters of intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, etc.
I've been driving for over a decade and know better than to take any chances with no-parking signs. You shouldn't stop there even for a second—the rules are zero tolerance. For example, I once saw someone park briefly for two minutes to pick up something at a hospital entrance, only to get caught by an electronic traffic monitor. They were fined 300 yuan and it went on their insurance record. These signs are commonly found near fire lanes or bus stops, where parking could block emergency access, cause traffic jams, or even lead to accidents. My advice: use a navigation app to find parking spots in advance, make it a habit to avoid restricted zones, and don't risk it just to save time. Safe driving isn't just about following rules—it's about respecting community spaces. Consistently obeying these regulations also helps avoid unnecessary trouble and expenses.
As a novice driver just starting out, I naively thought it would be okay to stop for a few minutes at a no-parking sign. The instructor sternly warned that it's absolutely not allowed—it's completely prohibited, especially on narrow streets or near school zones. I learned this the hard way: I stopped for just 30 seconds to wait for someone and got fined 200 yuan plus penalty points. That short time wasn't worth the cost. I advise fellow learners to download parking assistant apps to plan routes and avoid no-parking zones. It's not about the time—it's about preventing blocked emergency lanes or pedestrian safety. Following the rules makes driving easier and saves money, protecting your points during the probationary period.
