How many points will be deducted for not using lights properly in case of a road breakdown?
4 Answers
In case of a road breakdown, not using lights properly will result in a deduction of 3 points and a fine. According to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, motor vehicle drivers who violate road traffic safety laws and regulations regarding road passage shall be given a warning or fined. If there are other provisions in this law, penalties shall be imposed in accordance with those provisions. According to legal provisions, if a motor vehicle breaks down or is involved in a traffic accident on the road, obstructing traffic and making it difficult to move, the driver must turn on the hazard warning flashers and place a warning sign 50 to 100 meters behind the vehicle. At night, the clearance lights and rear position lights should also be turned on simultaneously. For motor vehicles overtaking without using lights properly, a fine and 1 point deduction will be imposed; for motor vehicles meeting at night without using lights properly, a fine and 1 point deduction will be imposed; for motor vehicles passing through signal-controlled intersections without using lights properly, a fine and 1 point deduction will be imposed; for motor vehicles changing lanes without using lights properly, a fine and 1 point deduction will be imposed.
Last time my car suddenly stalled on the highway, and I didn’t turn on the hazard lights in time. The traffic police warned me that I would be penalized with 1 demerit point. After checking the 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' I learned that if a vehicle breaks down and stops on the roadside without using the lights as required—such as failing to turn on the hazard lights—it results in a 1-point penalty. Although the deduction is minor, accumulating points can lead to the risk of license suspension and possibly a fine of several hundred yuan. The rule is designed to prevent secondary accidents—without lights, other drivers can’t see your parked car, which is especially dangerous in foggy conditions or at night. It’s recommended that drivers develop the habit of turning on hazard lights immediately when stopping and placing a warning triangle 150 meters away. Regularly checking the lighting system is also crucial to avoid malfunctions when needed. Safe driving is no small matter; point deductions are just reminders not to overlook details—protecting lives is what matters most.
As a new driver, I paid special attention to the lighting rules during my driving lessons. The instructor emphasized that hazard lights must be turned on when the vehicle breaks down, otherwise, it would result in a 1-point deduction. This regulation stems from traffic laws, and although the penalty is minor, the impact is significant. A 1-point deduction may seem small, but new drivers often make multiple mistakes leading to accumulated points, which affects insurance costs and license renewal. Why is this rule in place? The risk of not turning on the lights is high: other drivers may not see the broken-down vehicle, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions, especially at turns. A friend of mine had an accident and only then realized its importance—failing to turn on the lights resulted in a 200-yuan fine and point deduction. It's advisable to keep emergency tools in the car and have technicians check the lights and circuits during maintenance to ensure they function properly in critical moments.
Driving a faulty vehicle without warning lights is extremely dangerous and results in a 1-point deduction per violation as per regulations. Accumulated penalty points will affect future traffic violation processing, and worse, it can easily lead to accidents—especially in darkness or heavy rain when others may fail to notice your vehicle. Traffic rules mandate activating hazard lights and placing warning signs to protect both yourself and others. Simple maintenance can prevent issues: regularly check if lights are functioning and inspect wiring for aging. Cultivate good habits—turn on your lights immediately when parked. Small actions contribute greatly to road safety.
