What are the penalties for illegal parking?

[Stewart]

Penalties for illegal parking fall into three scenarios: 1. If the motor vehicle driver is present and leaves immediately, no penalty is imposed; 2. If the motor vehicle driver is not present, a fine is issued; 3. If the motor vehicle driver is present but refuses to leave immediately, a fine is issued. Illegal parking refers to vehicles not being parked in designated areas. Illegal parking not only occupies road space meant for vehicle passage but also disrupts traffic safety order, easily causing traffic congestion and reducing vehicle passage efficiency. Upon receiving an illegal parking notice, the vehicle owner must promptly bring their driver's license and vehicle registration certificate to the traffic processing department or the nearest traffic processing center for resolution. Exceeding fifteen working days may result in adverse consequences.

[Tess]

I've had several illegal parking experiences, each time accidentally stopping in no-parking zones, resulting in fines starting from 200 yuan and 3 driver's license points deducted. Once I parked near a fire lane and got towed immediately - the towing fee alone cost 500 yuan, plus I had to take time off to retrieve my car from the impound lot, wasting half a day. Illegal parking isn't just about fines; repeat violations can double the penalties and even affect license renewal. My advice is to always check parking signs using mobile maps when driving in the city, or find a legal paid parking spot - never park illegally for convenience. Parking on main roads or near schools carries higher risks: heavier fines, possible violation records, and even higher insurance premiums later. Regularly checking traffic rule apps can prevent many troubles.

[LeMalia]

I found that penalties for illegal parking vary by location, typically ranging from 100 to 500 yuan in urban areas, along with 1 to 3 demerit points. For example, a 200-yuan fine is common in Beijing, while smaller towns may have lower fines. The worst scenario is parking in emergency lanes, where the fine doubles and your car gets towed. I remember a friend received an SMS reminder on their phone after illegal parking, requiring them to handle it within three days, or else late fees would accumulate daily. Nowadays, many places use automated cameras to catch illegal parking, making it hard to avoid. If you repeatedly violate the rules and accumulate 12 demerit points, you’ll have to attend a training session and retake the test, which is quite time-consuming. I think the safest approach is to find a legal parking spot or reserve one via an app—don’t try to save money or effort, as it affects pedestrian safety and overall traffic, especially in school zones where enforcement is stricter. Always keep some spare change or mobile payment ready for unexpected situations.

[Tyrone]

When I first learned to drive, I didn't know how parking violations were penalized. Later, I got caught once and was fined 200 yuan on the spot by traffic police, with 2 points deducted. They told me that penalties for illegal parking depend on the location and circumstances—for example, parking on a blind pedestrian path carries heavier fines, possibly up to 500 yuan. Nowadays, surveillance cameras are everywhere, and once captured, violations are automatically recorded in the system. New drivers often get into trouble by making temporary stops on the roadside. I recommend using navigation apps to check no-parking zones or downloading the Traffic Management 12123 app for real-time notifications. Failing to handle penalties promptly can lead to additional fees and the risk of losing all your points. For daily parking, choose spots with parking meters or avoid peak hours. This can save a lot of hassle.

[MarleyDella]

The most frustrating part of illegal parking penalties is the high cost. Not only is there a fine of around 200 yuan, but you also have to spend time dealing with point deductions. For example, parking in the wrong spot in Shanghai starts with a 250 yuan fine, while smaller cities may charge less. However, if your car gets towed, the cost doubles to around 1,000 yuan. After towing, waiting in line to retrieve your car can cost half a day's wages. Multiple illegal parking violations accumulating over 6 points will result in losing your insurance discount, adding hundreds of yuan to your annual car insurance. I recommend planning your trip with extra time to find a parking spot and using smart parking systems for payment or reservations. Avoid parking in yellow zones or near fire stations, as fines are steeper. After going through these experiences, I've made it a habit to arrive early and secure a legal spot.