What does emergency lane photography mean?
2 Answers
Emergency lane photography refers to the prohibition of occupying the emergency lane on highways or elevated roads. To prevent such occupancy, cameras are installed on highways to monitor and capture images at all times. The emergency lane on a highway is adjacent to the right-hand traffic lane, with a width of at least 3 meters, including the hard shoulder, and an effective length of 30 meters or more, providing sufficient space for vehicles to pull over when needed. In emergency situations, vehicles are allowed to drive or park on the emergency lane. However, if a vehicle uses the emergency lane under non-emergency circumstances, the owner will be penalized according to relevant regulations.
Taking photos on the emergency lane refers to stopping and taking pictures on the highway's emergency shoulder, which is actually illegal. I remember when I used to drive, I often saw people parking there to take photos of the scenery or selfies, thinking it was fine, only to be caught by traffic cameras and fined. This shoulder is only for temporary stops due to vehicle breakdowns or accidents. Using it for photos under normal circumstances is not only dangerous but also obstructs other vehicles, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. From a safety perspective, with high speeds on the highway, if someone gets out to take photos and a car fails to avoid them in time, the consequences could be dire. I advise everyone not to stop on the emergency lane for convenience when traveling. If you really want to take photos, find a safe rest area or exit to park. Don’t underestimate this habit—following the rules ensures everyone's travel safety.