Will I be penalized for changing a flat tire myself on the highway?
2 Answers
Changing a flat tire yourself on the highway will not result in penalty points, as long as it does not obstruct normal traffic flow. Emergency handling for a flat tire on the highway: When a rear tire bursts, the driver should stay calm, firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands, strive to keep the vehicle moving straight, and decelerate to a stop. If a front tire bursts, the driver should also firmly grip the steering wheel with both hands, ease off the accelerator pedal, and strive to maintain straight-line driving. A front tire blowout is more dangerous, so the driver must make every effort to control the steering wheel and quickly shift to a lower gear. Procedures after a flat tire on the highway: If a vehicle experiences a flat tire on the highway, the driver should immediately turn on the hazard warning lights, check for vehicles behind, and place a triangular warning sign at least 150 meters behind the vehicle. In windy conditions, use a heavy object to secure the warning sign to prevent it from being blown over. Call the emergency number for assistance and also contact your insurance company for support.
Changing a flat tire by yourself on the highway does carry the risk of receiving penalty points, but this largely depends on how you handle the situation. Firstly, traffic regulations explicitly prohibit stopping on the highway except for emergencies, and occupying the emergency lane without justification may result in penalty points and fines if caught by surveillance cameras. If you do experience a flat tire, stay calm, pull over to the emergency lane as quickly as possible, turn on your hazard lights, and place a warning triangle at least 150 meters behind your vehicle—these are crucial steps to avoid penalties and reduce the risk of secondary accidents. However, I don’t recommend changing the tire yourself due to the high-speed traffic and poor visibility on highways, which increase the risk of rear-end collisions. Safety should always come first. It’s better to call for roadside assistance or alert the authorities and wait for professionals to handle the situation. Additionally, make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly to minimize the chances of a blowout. At the end of the day, penalty points are trivial compared to your life—don’t take unnecessary risks just to save on towing fees.
