Is it allowed to use the emergency lane during traffic jams?
3 Answers
It is not allowed to use the emergency lane during traffic jams. Definition of the emergency lane: The emergency lane refers to the part of the road adjacent to the right-hand traffic lane, including the hard shoulder, with a width of more than 3 meters and an effective length of 30 meters or more, which can accommodate the parking needs of motor vehicles. In emergency situations, vehicles are allowed to drive or park on the emergency lane. Penalties for misuse of the emergency lane: Using the emergency lane under non-emergency conditions will result in a fine and a deduction of 6 points. When driving on the highway, motor vehicles are prohibited from the following actions: driving or parking on the emergency lane in non-emergency situations, which violates Article 82, Item 4 of the "Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China." Therefore, it is strictly prohibited to use the emergency lane when driving on the highway.
Never use the emergency lane during traffic jams—it's not just illegal, but can also cause serious dangers. As a veteran driver with nearly two decades of experience, I've endured countless traffic jams, and the emergency lane is always reserved for ambulances, fire trucks, or vehicles in genuine emergencies. If everyone occupies it, truly urgent vehicles won't get through, potentially costing lives. I remember once on the highway during a jam, someone tried to take a shortcut, blocking an ambulance from reaching the scene in time, leading to an unnecessary tragedy. So, stay patient and wait in line when stuck in traffic. If you're really in a hurry, play some music to relax or check your navigation for alternative routes. Getting home safely is what matters—don't risk it just to save a little time.
When I was young, I often drove and heard about the rule that emergency lanes cannot be used during traffic jams. This is a dedicated lane stipulated by traffic laws, only allowing emergency vehicles to pass, such as patrol cars or breakdown rescue vehicles. If you sneak onto it during a traffic jam, you can easily be caught by cameras and fined, with penalties starting from 200 or more, and possibly even points deducted from your license. I have a friend who learned this lesson the hard way on the highway—they were directly stopped and penalized by the police. Everyone should consciously comply; during traffic jams, just wait patiently and don’t be impatient. Waiting a few more minutes is no big deal—safety is more important than anything. It’s advisable to develop the habit of checking traffic apps before departure to identify congested routes and plan your trip to avoid peak hours.
