Is stopping to drop off passengers considered illegal parking?
2 Answers
Stopping temporarily on the road without obstructing other vehicles and pedestrians is not considered illegal parking. 1. Parking is divided into temporary stopping and vehicle parking: The distinction between parking and temporary stopping mainly depends on whether the driver leaves the vehicle. For example, briefly stopping by the roadside with the driver remaining in the vehicle to drop off passengers or load/unload items and then immediately driving away is considered temporary stopping. 2. Article 56 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates: Motor vehicles should be parked in designated areas, and parking on sidewalks is prohibited, except in legally marked parking spaces. Temporary stopping on the road must not obstruct other vehicles and pedestrians.
As a driver who frequently picks up and drops off family members, whether stopping to let someone out is considered a violation depends on where you park. Generally, briefly stopping for a few seconds to let family members out by the roadside is not a violation, but this is only true in permitted parking areas, such as near residential entrances or places without no-parking signs. However, stopping in busy areas like intersections or bus stops is prohibited by traffic rules and can be considered illegal parking, potentially resulting in a ticket. Once, during peak hours in the city, I stopped to let someone out and almost caused a traffic jam—later, a police officer warned me about the danger. That’s why I always emphasize safety first: confirm the location before stopping, avoid no-parking zones, and ideally choose a safe corner for passengers to get in and out. This helps avoid fines while ensuring everyone’s safety. Always pay attention to road markings and roadside signs to ensure a safe and unobstructed parking environment.
