What does the violation code 4204 mean?

[MollyDella]

Violation code 4204 means: The driver did not use the seat belt as required while driving on the highway. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", the penalty includes: Demerit points (deduction): 2 points; Fine amount: 100 yuan; Other penalties: None. Traffic violation codes consist of four to five digits, classified according to the general principles in the traffic law. The order from left to right is as follows: the first digit is the behavior classification code, the second digit is the demerit point classification code, the third and fourth digits are the sequential code, and the fifth digit is the item number. First digit: Behavior classification code, indicating the category in the Road Traffic Law; Second digit: Demerit point classification code, indicating the category of demerit points for the traffic violation; Third, fourth, and fifth digits: Sequential code, indicating the order of the violation within the same behavior category. For example: 13035—"1" indicates a motor vehicle violation, the second digit "3" indicates 3 demerit points, and "035" indicates the fifth item of the third violation under the 3-point deduction category. Behavior classification code violation descriptions: Codes starting with "1" indicate motor vehicle violations, e.g., 1003. Codes starting with "2" indicate non-motor vehicle violations, e.g., 2002. Codes starting with "3" indicate pedestrian or passenger violations, e.g., 3030. Codes starting with "4" indicate highway violations, e.g., 4002. Codes starting with "5" indicate other regulations, e.g., 5005. Codes starting with "7" indicate implementation rules of provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities, e.g., 7008. Codes starting with "8" indicate local regulations of cities (prefectures, autonomous prefectures, or leagues), e.g., 8606. There are four common ways to check motor vehicle violations: Visit the office hall of the traffic police department in various districts or counties and use the touch query terminal; Log in to the external service website of the local Public Security Bureau's Traffic Management Bureau, find the vehicle violation query section, enter the license plate number and engine number, and click to query; Call the hotline (area code + 114) to inquire; Use the Traffic Management 12123 app client (V2.8.1B437 for iOS 15+ or V2.8.1B274 for Android 12+) to query. The violation of not using the seat belt as required while driving on the highway can be handled through this Traffic Management app client. After logging in, enter the violation processing business process, complete the processing, and make the payment.

[StJake]

I've noticed many drivers are unclear about what traffic violation code 4204 means. Actually, it specifically refers to the illegal occupation of emergency lanes on highways. The emergency lane is the yellow-lined area on the roadside, reserved exclusively for ambulances or rescue vehicles. Driving onto it during traffic jams can easily trigger this violation code. With 30 years of driving experience, I've seen a friend get penalized for this—6 points deducted from their license and a minimum fine of 200 yuan, with some cities imposing even harsher penalties that nearly led to license suspension. This behavior is extremely dangerous—high speeds on highways mean occupying the emergency lane could delay urgent medical care or cause chain-reaction accidents. The golden rule of safe driving is obeying regulations; during traffic jams, wait patiently in line instead of trying to save a few seconds. The emergency lane is a lifeline—occupying it harms others and yourself. Familiarizing yourself with traffic rule manuals can prevent forming such bad habits.