Regulatory Road Sign (R7-201)
Emergency Parking Only Sign Meaning & Driving Rules
Restricts stopping or parking on highway shoulders exclusively to genuine mechanical breakdowns or medical emergencies.
Required Driver Action & Right-of-Way Protocol
Only pull onto the shoulder if your vehicle is disabled or an immediate medical emergency exists.
Detailed Overview & Purpose
The Emergency Parking Only sign (R7-201) prohibits non-emergency stopping along highway shoulders. Stopping to make phone calls, rest, check GPS, or take photos is strictly illegal on freeway shoulders.
Key Standard & Origin: Highway shoulders are among the most dangerous places on earth; thousands of motorists are struck on shoulders annually.
Where You'll Find This Sign
Freeway and expressway shoulders, bridges, and causeways.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Pulling onto the freeway shoulder to send a text message or make a non-emergency phone call.
How This Sign Appears on the DMV Knowledge & Road Test
Tests freeway shoulder safety rules and proper emergency stopping procedures.
Legal Penalties and Moving Violations
Non-emergency shoulder parking carries moving violation citations.
When you encounter the official Emergency Parking Only (R7-201) on a roadway, what is your legal duty?
Prepare for Your State Permit Exam
Take full 2026 practice tests covering mandatory road signs, traffic laws, and state-specific driving rules.
