What are the highway closure times?
4 Answers
Highway closure times are: 1. From 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM, long-distance passenger vehicles are prohibited from traveling, mainly because these types of vehicles are prone to traffic accidents. The nighttime ban on long-distance passenger vehicles is primarily to prevent drivers from fatigue driving and to ensure that drivers do not exceed 8 hours of cumulative driving within 24 hours. During the day, long-distance passenger vehicle drivers cannot drive continuously for more than 4 hours, and at night, they cannot drive continuously for more than 2 hours, with mandatory rest periods of no less than 20 minutes in between. For buses traveling more than 400 kilometers (or more than 600 kilometers on highways), according to traffic regulations, there must be at least 2 drivers on board.
The prohibited travel times on highways mainly occur during severe weather, at night, or during peak hours. It's quite common to encounter these situations while driving, such as when there's heavy fog or snowfall—highway entrances may be closed, with the duration depending on the circumstances. Restrictions are stricter for large trucks at night, often prohibiting them from entering highways between 10 PM and 5 AM to prevent fatigue driving and ensure road safety. During holidays like the Spring Festival or National Day, highways are prone to congestion, sometimes leading to preemptive or temporary closures to control traffic flow. A friend of mine once missed the prohibited time window and ended up stuck at the entrance, waiting. It's advisable to check real-time traffic conditions using apps like Gaode or Baidu Maps before setting off to avoid a wasted trip. Highway management prioritizes everyone's safety, so staying updated with local traffic announcements is essential.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, it's crucial to always be aware of highway closure times. Truck drivers know this best—many sections prohibit travel after 11 PM, especially on mountain roads or urban peripherals, to prevent accidents. During fog or heavy rain, closures last even longer, sometimes starting the night before and not lifting until the next day. Holiday rush hours are even more troublesome, with possible intermittent full-highway shutdowns for traffic diversion. This isn't just about regulations—it affects time and costs. Miscalculating delivery schedules could mean fines. Policies vary by region; for instance, Zhejiang often imposes winter restrictions starting at 8 PM. Always check with highway authorities before trips. Safety comes first—knowing closure periods saves significant hassle.
Novice drivers often wonder when highways are closed. Common scenarios include severe weather conditions, such as fog or thunderstorms, which may lead to temporary closures, with reopening times depending on the situation. Some vehicles, like trucks, are restricted at night, typically prohibited from entering between 10 PM and 6 AM. During peak holiday periods, certain entrances may also be restricted to prevent congestion. Rules vary by province; for example, Sichuan highways close early in foggy conditions, while Guangdong highways shut down more frequently during typhoons. Before setting off, it's advisable to check real-time traffic updates on navigation apps like Tencent Maps. Paying a little attention to this can make long-distance driving more hassle-free, avoiding long waits stuck in traffic.
