Will changing tires on the highway result in a fine?
3 Answers
If you change a tire on the highway without turning on the hazard lights or placing a warning sign behind the vehicle, traffic police will impose penalties on the driver according to traffic regulations. Below is relevant information about car tires: 1. Functions of tires: Support the entire weight of the vehicle, bear the load of the car, and transmit forces and moments in other directions; transmit traction and braking torque to ensure good adhesion between the wheels and the road surface, thereby improving the car's power, braking, and passability; work with the car suspension to cushion impacts during driving. 2. Tire lifespan: The lifespan of a tire is related to many factors, such as climate, road conditions, driving habits, installation, maintenance, etc. According to international regulations, if a tire is used normally, it must be replaced when the tread depth wears down to 1.6 millimeters.
Changing a tire on the highway will definitely result in a fine—I speak from personal experience when I say it's not worth the risk. I remember one time while driving, a car next to me had a flat tire and stopped to change it. The police arrived in less than ten minutes and issued a ticket, fining them 300 yuan. On the highway, vehicles move at high speeds, and stopping on the roadside to change a tire can easily lead to rear-end collisions, endangering yourself and potentially others. The law clearly states that stopping arbitrarily on the highway is prohibited. In emergencies, you're only allowed to pull over in the emergency lane with hazard lights on and place a triangular warning sign. However, changing a tire doesn't qualify as an emergency action. It's best to drive to a service area or call for roadside assistance. Develop good habits: check tire pressure and wear before driving to reduce the chance of a flat; keep a toolkit in your car and learn how to change a tire, practicing in a safe location. Safety first—don’t prioritize speed over rules.
From the perspective of traffic regulations, changing tires on the highway is illegal and will result in a fine. I understand that penalties vary by region. In China, the usual fine ranges from 200 to 1000 yuan, and some areas may impose demerit points. The rules stipulate that highways are only for driving or briefly stopping in the emergency lane to handle urgent matters, but changing tires is not included; you must turn on hazard lights and call for assistance. Violators are penalized for endangering public safety, as the risk of accidents, such as being hit by large vehicles, is high. It is advisable to comply with the law: plan your trip in advance to avoid problematic sections; maintaining your vehicle well can reduce tire failures. Following the rules not only saves lives but also money.
