Will using hazard lights on the emergency lane result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Using hazard lights on the emergency lane will result in penalty points. Temporary parking is not allowed on the highway emergency lane unless the vehicle has a breakdown. In such cases, temporary parking is permitted, but the hazard warning lights must be turned on immediately after stopping. Additionally, a warning sign must be placed 150 meters behind the vehicle to alert following vehicles and prevent rear-end collisions. Main functions of the emergency lane: The emergency lane is specifically designated for vehicles handling emergency situations, such as engineering rescue, firefighting, medical aid, or police officers performing urgent official duties. It is particularly important to note that any civilian vehicles are prohibited from entering or parking on the emergency lane for any reason. Activating hazard warning lights: Do not park on the emergency lane unless necessary. If encountering a breakdown, the hazard warning lights must be turned on when parking, and a warning sign should be placed 150 meters behind the vehicle. If needed, tail lights, rear fog lights, etc., should also be activated, as this ensures the safest conditions when driving on the emergency lane.
Having driven for decades, I've seen many drivers illegally stopping on the highway emergency lane with hazard lights on for convenience, only to get 6 penalty points and fines – truly not worth it. The emergency lane is reserved for genuine emergencies like vehicle breakdowns or sudden accidents. If you misuse it just for resting or checking navigation, traffic police will penalize you. Hazard lights serve to warn other vehicles of potential danger, but this doesn't grant permission to occupy the lane arbitrarily. For instance, my neighbor did this last year, got fined 200 yuan plus 6 license points, nearly having his license suspended. With heavy highway traffic, unnecessary stops easily cause rear-end collisions, endangering everyone. I advise drivers to develop good habits: only use the emergency lane as a last resort, activate hazards, place warning triangles, and immediately call authorities to report – this prevents trouble and ensures safety.
From a safety perspective, the emergency lane is not a place where you can park at will. While using hazard lights is good, it shouldn't become an excuse for illegal parking. Traffic regulations clearly state that unauthorized use of the emergency lane will result in immediate penalty points. The hazard lights themselves won't lead to punishment, but improper behavior will inevitably result in a ticket. Remember, on highways where speeds are high, the emergency lane is a priority passage for ambulances or vehicles in trouble. Parking there randomly will only create congestion and increase risks. I've encountered similar situations before - once when my car had a problem, I parked in the emergency lane as required, turned on the hazard lights, and called the police. The officer who arrived didn't deduct any points after inspection. But without a valid reason, such as stopping there to check your phone during traffic jams, you'll definitely be caught on camera and penalized. Checking your vehicle's condition before driving is crucial to prevent problems in advance.
