What are the penalties for occupying the emergency lane?
2 Answers
Penalties for occupying the emergency lane: If a motor vehicle occupies the emergency lane under non-emergency circumstances, a fine will be imposed and 6 points will be deducted. According to Article 82, Item 4 of the Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law: When driving on the highway, motor vehicles must not engage in the following behaviors: driving or parking in the emergency lane under non-emergency circumstances. The emergency lane on the highway refers to the part of the road adjacent to the right lane, including the hard shoulder, with a width of more than 3 meters and an effective length of 30 meters or more, which can meet the needs of motor vehicle parking. In emergency situations, vehicles may drive or park in the emergency lane.
Occupying the emergency lane is quite common, and I've seen it happen many times while driving. Usually, the drivers are caught red-handed by traffic police, with a penalty standard of a 200-yuan fine and 6 demerit points. If you try to take the emergency lane to save time during a traffic jam, you might delay ambulances or fire trucks, leading to serious consequences. With surveillance cameras everywhere, the chances of getting caught are high. Once on the highway, I saw someone do this and end up penalized so heavily they complained about being broke, and even had to retake the theoretical driving test. It's better to be patient while driving and choose the right route to avoid congestion. Safety comes first, after all. This behavior doesn't just affect you—it could also harm others. Developing good habits is the right way to go.
