What lights should be turned on when a motor vehicle is temporarily parked at night?
3 Answers
When a motor vehicle is temporarily parked at night, it should turn on the hazard warning flashers, clearance lights, and rear position lights to alert other vehicles. Prepare for night driving by checking whether the lighting signal lamps of the vehicle are in good condition and effective before departure. For long-distance driving, proactively ask others about the road conditions along the route. Traffic regulations stipulate that vehicles traveling in the same direction at night are not allowed to use high beams. If the vehicle ahead encounters high beams from the rear, the rearview mirror inside the front vehicle will reflect the light. To avoid glare, adjust the angle of the rearview mirror to reduce the dazzling effect.
I believe it's essential to turn on the width lights when temporarily parking at night, as this alerts approaching vehicles to your position and helps prevent rear-end collisions. I often encounter this situation during long-distance drives, such as when making a temporary stop at a highway service area. Without lights, others can hardly see you, especially on roads without streetlights. The Road Traffic Safety Law requires this for everyone's safety. If the vehicle breaks down, you should also turn on the hazard warning lights. I must remind everyone not to skimp on that bit of electricity—turning on the lights adds an extra layer of safety. Remember to check if the bulbs are functioning properly and replace them immediately if they're faulty. In short, safety comes first. Turning on the lights is not only standard practice but also shows respect for others' lives.
As a novice driver, I learned this right after getting my license: when temporarily parking at night, you must turn on the width indicator lights, which are the small front and rear lights. The instructor emphasized this repeatedly and even had us simulate parking scenarios. Not turning on the lights is very dangerous—once, I forgot to turn them on and almost got hit by a large vehicle. The rule specifies width indicator lights, but if you're parked in an unsafe spot, like a curve, it's best to also turn on the hazard lights. I understand why—it makes your car visible from far away. Everyone should pay attention to maintaining their lights to avoid aging issues. In short, remember: don't hesitate, turn on the lights when parking.
