What lights should be turned on when temporarily parking by the side of the road?
4 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.
When I first started learning to drive, I was always hesitant about which lights to use when pulling over. Later, my instructor emphasized that I must turn on the hazard lights because their constant flashing alerts others that your car has stopped. The operation is actually quite simple: find a safe spot to park, then press the hazard light button on the dashboard. Make sure to choose a good location so you don't block others. I remember last month when I parked temporarily by the roadside without turning on any lights, I almost got hit by a bicycle. Since then, I always prioritize turning on the hazard lights when parking. It's fine during the day, but it's more dangerous at night or in foggy conditions—hazard lights are very noticeable in the dark and can prevent accidents. Don't take too long; try to finish within a few minutes, or the police might come to check. Always observe the movement of surrounding vehicles.
I enjoy studying car tips, and I always turn on the hazard warning lights when pulling over for a temporary stop. The hazard lights, also known as the emergency flashers, can be activated with just a press of a button, designed for use during emergencies or parking. The reason is obvious: they flash in both directions to attract attention and prevent collisions. In daily operations, slow down before parking, choose a flat spot, turn on the lights, and then come to a complete stop. I often help neighbors with car repairs and have encountered situations where the lights were broken. In such cases, I use the alternative method of turning on the headlights in parking light mode as an emergency measure. By the way, battery maintenance is important to prevent power loss. After activating the hazard lights, don’t turn off the engine; keep the power supply active, as this is crucial for safety.
