Is there a time limit for parking in the service area?
4 Answers
There is a time limit for parking in the service area: Parking for more than 10 hours (inclusive) without valid proof will incur a fee, which is charged based on the farthest station within the province. Valid proof includes overtime certificates issued by the service area, various consumption receipts from the service area, and repair bills from the road. There are no explicit regulations on how long you can park in a highway service area, so you can technically park indefinitely. However, due to the existence of highway overtime fees, the parking time in the service area becomes effectively limited. The purpose of highway overtime fees is to prevent vehicles from evading tolls through methods like swapping cards, losing cards, or bypassing toll stations. The calculation of highway overtime fees is based on the maximum toll for the entire section of the highway.
I've been driving long-haul trucks for nearly 20 years, so I know service area parking rules inside out. Generally, highway rest stops don't have official time limits - parking is completely free. But you can't stay too long. Once when I took over 30 minutes for lunch, staff came to remind me not to block traffic during peak hours. The main concerns are vehicle congestion and safety risks like collisions or theft. I usually just stop for 20 minutes to stretch my legs before moving on. Fatigue driving is deadly, but proper time management ensures efficiency. There are minor regional differences - big city service areas might be stricter, sometimes posting signs suggesting 1-hour maximums. The golden rule is self-awareness: leave when rested, don't inconvenience others.
I often take my family on trips and frequently stop at service areas, so I've really looked into parking durations. Most places don't have fixed rules—it's entirely up to you. However, you need to pay attention to the actual situation; some service areas may have signs indicating time limits, such as 30 minutes, to avoid peak-hour congestion. Every time I park, I set an alarm to finish resting, refueling, and eating within 20 minutes. Staying too long actually increases risks—a stationary car is more prone to malfunctions or inspections. Service areas are shared spaces for everyone, so don't selfishly occupy them. Safety-wise, if you park for too long, issues like headlights not working or oil leaks may go unnoticed. Develop good habits—short, efficient stops are the wisest choice. Don't overstay.
As a frequent highway commuter, I've found that parking at service areas is quite flexible with no official time restrictions. In practice, short stops are most comfortable—just 10 minutes for a restroom break and water refill before moving on. During peak hours, announcements or notices may suggest not exceeding 30 minutes. While rest is important, unnecessarily long stops can cause trouble. Vehicles left too long may develop issues like dead batteries. The key is practicality: plan reasonably and avoid dawdling.
