What lights should be turned on when temporarily parking by the side of the road?
2 Answers
Temporary parking requires turning on the turn signal in the direction of parking, usually the right turn signal. For emergency parking, the hazard warning lights (flashers) should be activated. When a motor vehicle is temporarily parked at night, the hazard warning flashers, clearance lights, and rear position lights should be turned on. Below are the relevant details: 1. Turn signals: Turn signals are important indicator lights that are activated when a motor vehicle is turning to alert surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. The turn signal bulbs use xenon tubes, controlled by a microcontroller circuit, with alternating left and right flashing operation. Turn signals use flashers to achieve the blinking effect. They can mainly be divided into three types: resistance wire type, capacitor type, and electronic type. 2. Clearance lights: Clearance lights are the outermost lights at the front and rear of the vehicle. Large trucks also have clearance lights on the roof and sides. The term 'clearance light' can be understood literally: 'clear' means warning, and 'light' refers to the outline. Therefore, clearance lights are warning lights used to alert other vehicles.
As a seasoned delivery driver, I always turn on the hazard lights when pulling over for a temporary stop, as it warns following vehicles that my car has stopped temporarily to prevent rear-end collisions. With over a decade of driving experience, I've developed a habit: first slowing down and checking the rearview mirror, finding a wider spot, then pressing the hazard light switch, and finally pulling the handbrake and turning off the engine after the car comes to a complete stop. Especially in rainy, foggy conditions or at night, these flashing lights are even more noticeable. If the car breaks down, I also need to get out and place a warning triangle, paying extra attention to safety distances, especially on highways. Temporary stops shouldn't exceed the allowed time—usually 10 minutes in the city—to avoid fines. A friend of mine was fined and penalized points for not using the lights, so now I teach my kids to always remember this rule. Safety first—though simple, hazard lights have saved me multiple times.
