What are the requirements for pulling over and parking?
4 Answers
Motor vehicles temporarily pulling over and parking on the road shall comply with the following regulations: 1. No parking is allowed in sections with no-parking signs or markings, sections with isolation facilities between motor vehicle lanes and non-motor vehicle lanes or sidewalks, crosswalks, or construction zones; 2. No parking is allowed at intersections, railway crossings, sharp curves, narrow roads less than 4 meters wide, bridges, steep slopes, tunnels, or within 50 meters of these locations; 3. Doors shall not be opened nor passengers allowed to board or alight before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and opening or closing doors shall not obstruct the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians; 4. When parking by the roadside, the vehicle shall stay close to the right side of the road, and the driver shall not leave the vehicle. The vehicle shall depart immediately after passengers board or alight or after loading or unloading goods.
When I was learning to drive, pulling over to the side often left me flustered. The instructor repeatedly emphasized a few key points: always signal first to alert vehicles behind you, which can prevent rear-end collisions; then check the rearview mirror and blind spots on both sides to confirm there are no vehicles or pedestrians; gradually slow down and pull over, avoiding sudden braking, and engage the handbrake immediately after stopping. I made mistakes back then, like pulling over without checking the mirror, which resulted in a car behind honking angrily, scaring me half to death. Now I’ve gotten used to it, especially during rainy or snowy days when the road is slippery—I’m extra cautious before parking, choosing straight lanes or open areas and avoiding curves or slopes to prevent the car from sliding. At night, I also turn on the parking lights—safety comes first. With more practice, it gets much easier.
Having driven a taxi for over a decade, pulling over is second nature to me. When passengers hail, I must choose a safe spot—away from bus stops or intersections, ensuring I don't block traffic. Activate the turn signal early, signaling about 20 meters in advance; decelerate smoothly while pulling over, avoiding sharp turns; once parked, engage the handbrake to ensure bicycles or pedestrian pathways remain unobstructed. Experience tells me parking during rush hour is the toughest—requiring keen awareness and readiness for unexpected situations. Passengers should board and alight quickly to avoid causing jams. Safety always comes first, preventing accidents and saving on repair costs.
The key to pulling over is prioritizing safety. I always pay special attention to this while driving: first, turn on the turn signal as a warning; then glance at the rearview mirror to ensure no vehicles are approaching quickly; gradually move to the side while keeping the speed within a safe range; after stopping, engage the handbrake. In case of emergencies, such as vehicle malfunctions, it's essential to turn on the hazard lights for warning and then stop in a place with clear visibility, avoiding slopes or narrow roads. The entire process should be smooth, without hesitation or sudden movements, to minimize the risk of accidents. Maintaining stability inside the vehicle is also crucial.
