What does a blue-lined parking space mean?

[MacAiden]

Blue-lined parking spaces are free parking spaces. Below is relevant information about parking space markings: 1. White parking spaces: Indicate that these are paid parking spaces, mostly located on sidewalks or setback lines, applicable for parking fee management by traffic investment companies. 2. Yellow parking spaces: Indicate that these are exclusive parking spaces, applicable for leased spaces or those set up by relevant units for office use or public convenience. 3. Blue parking spaces: Indicate that these are free parking spaces, applicable for parking spaces planned around government office premises. There is a distinction between solid and dashed lines. Dashed lines indicate 3-minute and 15-minute free temporary parking spaces, with penalties for overtime parking, while only solid lines indicate free long-term parking spaces.

[MacCorbin]

Last time when I picked up my kid from school, I came across this kind of blue-lined parking space, let me share my experience with you. These roadside parking spaces with blue dashed lines are time-limited free parking spots designated by the city for citizens' temporary errands. Generally, they allow free parking for 1 hour from 7 AM to 7 PM, and charges apply beyond that. Look closely at the directional arrows and space numbers marked on the ground—you must park straight according to the arrow direction, or you might get a ticket for crooked parking. On weekends and holidays, they’re free all day, which is why I love using these spots for grocery shopping. Important reminder: Only spaces with official blue free parking signs are truly free—don’t fall for privately painted blue lines. If you find these spots near hospitals or schools, consider yourself lucky, but remember to leave on time. The cameras automatically charge for overstaying—my neighbor got charged 10 yuan for just ten extra minutes last time.

[VonLuna]

Ride-hailing drivers are all aware that blue-lined parking spaces are timed parking spots designated by the urban transportation authority. These blue-painted grids allow temporary parking during peak hours (typically 7 AM to 7 PM) and are equipped with induction geomagnetic sensors and numbering. Special note for new energy vehicle owners: some cities permit green-plate vehicles to park for free for up to 2 hours all day, while regular vehicles only get 1 hour free. However, be extremely cautious of three pitfalls: unpaid overtime fees will incur late charges; parking in the wrong direction counts as illegal parking; and the most deceptive are those faded light-blue old parking spots—many mistakenly park there and receive tickets. Last week, while dropping off a passenger at the government service center, I witnessed three cars getting ticketed for parking on pseudo-spots where the blue lines had been removed but the paint wasn’t fully cleared.

[Leah]

The blue-dashed parking spaces are specifically designed for short-term needs such as picking up students or elderly medical visits. The actual operation is very simple: first, confirm there is clear blue paint and a space number on the ground, then take a photo of the space number with your phone. Pay special attention to the blue-background white-letter signboard standing nearby, which indicates the specific free time slots (varies by city). It is recommended to use the city parking APP to check the remaining time in real-time, and the phone will ring to remind you when the time is almost up. Special note: even during free hours, fines will still be imposed for these three situations—wheels crossing the blue markings, the vehicle body exceeding the parking space frame, or parking in a blue-framed disabled space (marked with a wheelchair icon). Last month at the municipal hospital, several cars were fined 200 yuan for crossing the lines.