A driver may park on the freeway for three designated exceptions in the state of California, according to the California DMV Driver's Handbook. Those exceptions are: in an emergency; when an officer pulls you over, or another government official or sign (e.g. construction) requires and where a pull-off location is specified on the road by official state signs.
A vehicle parked on the freeway, even if disabled, can only be left for a maximum of four hours. If left unattended for more than four hours, the vehicle may be removed.
If a vehicle must park on the freeway, the California DMV requires that all vehicles park completely off the pavement. The vehicle needs to be visible from at least 200 feet in each direction and enough space must be left for other vehicles to pass freely. The DMV also says to stay inside your vehicle with your doors locked until help arrives.
