Is Parking with Hazard Lights On Considered a Violation?
3 Answers
Yes, it is considered a violation. If a vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone for more than 30 seconds, electronic monitoring devices will automatically capture the violation. Below is a detailed introduction about it: Illegal parking: Refers to situations where a vehicle is parked in violation of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," meaning the vehicle is not parked in the designated area. Stop-and-go: Means that when parking on the roadside, the vehicle should stay close to the right side of the road, and the driver must not leave the vehicle. After picking up or dropping off passengers or loading/unloading goods, the vehicle must immediately leave. No-parking signs: No-parking zones are marked with no-parking signs, and the road surface is also marked with yellow no-parking lines. If a vehicle is parked in a no-parking zone for more than 30 seconds, electronic monitoring devices will automatically capture the violation.
I once had an experience while driving. I was parked by the roadside waiting for a friend with my hazard lights on, and a patrolling traffic police officer came over and fined me 200 yuan. He explained that hazard lights are specifically for emergency situations, such as when a vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident, to alert drivers behind. Using them during normal parking can easily mislead other drivers into thinking there's danger ahead, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. I later learned that traffic regulations clearly prohibit the misuse of hazard lights, and doing so counts as illegal parking. Many people in the city habitually turn on their hazard lights when temporarily parked by the roadside, but this often harms both themselves and others. I recommend finding a proper parking spot instead of trying to save time, or else fines and penalty points are inevitable. Only use hazard lights in genuine emergencies, like when your vehicle breaks down—turning them on immediately can help ensure safety.
As an enthusiast who understands traffic regulations, I believe whether parking with hazard lights on constitutes a violation depends on the specific situation. Hazard lights are warning signals designed to protect drivers in emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns or road accidents. However, using them during ordinary parking scenarios—like waiting for someone in a no-parking zone—may violate the Road Traffic Safety Law, with fines ranging from 100 to 200 yuan being quite common. The law emphasizes that signal lights must not be used arbitrarily to mislead others or disrupt traffic order. A common misconception in daily driving is that drivers often use hazard lights as an excuse when temporarily parked, but this is non-compliant and can easily lead to misunderstandings and congestion. The correct approach is to activate hazard lights only during genuine emergencies and use normal parking methods to ensure safety at other times. Choosing a safe parking location is fundamental—don't risk major consequences for minor conveniences.
