China – Driving

Is China safe to drive in?

Road safety in China is a multifaceted issue that reflects both genuine progress and ongoing difficulties. Over the five years to 2023, the number of serious road collisions fell even as the country’s vehicle fleet expanded dramatically. The Ministry of Public Security reported 436 accidents resulting in three or more fatalities in 2023 — a reduction of 12 percent compared with 2019 figures.

Despite these gains, the overall toll remains substantial. Pedestrians and cyclists account for close to half of all road traffic deaths in China, a proportion that exceeds the Asia-Pacific regional average. The World Health Organization estimates that China is responsible for roughly 20% of global road traffic fatalities, despite representing approximately 15% of the world’s population. Compared with Western Europe — where deaths per vehicle are among the lowest globally — China presents a markedly higher level of risk, especially on secondary and rural routes.

By 2023, the number of registered motor vehicles in China had reached 440 million, with 530 million licensed drivers — increases of 36 percent and 27 percent respectively since 2019. This rapid growth in both the vehicle fleet and the pool of relatively inexperienced drivers contributes directly to the complex road conditions that newcomers will encounter.

The main causes of collisions include human factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol impairment, alongside environmental and mechanical contributors including bad weather, inadequate road upkeep, and vehicle faults. Electric scooters and bicycles are ubiquitous throughout China — they travel fast, produce little noise, and represent a significant hazard to drivers who are not alert to them. These vehicles regularly move through dedicated cycling lanes, along footpaths, and through gaps in motor traffic.

China’s road network had grown to a total length of 5.44 million kilometres by the close of 2023. Expressways and motorways connecting major urban centres are typically well-maintained and clearly signed. Rural roads, however, vary widely in quality, and driving in mountainous or remote areas involves additional hazards. Road safety improvement targets have been embedded in China’s 14th Five-Year Plans (2021–2025), with annual goals covering reductions in accident mortality and fatalities per 10,000 vehicles. Always consult current data via the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) before driving in regions you do not know well.

What side of the road do you drive on in China?

Traffic in China flows on the right side of the road, with steering wheels positioned on the left side of the vehicle. This is the same arrangement used across most of continental Europe, the Americas, and a large part of Asia, so drivers already accustomed to right-hand traffic will find this element straightforward.

If you are arriving from a country where traffic keeps to the left — such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, or India — exercise extra vigilance at intersections, roundabouts, and when passing other vehicles. The moments when newly arrived drivers are most likely to revert instinctively to the wrong side are at quiet junctions, when leaving car parks, or on wide, empty stretches of road. Allow yourself a number of days of careful, low-speed practice before tackling busy urban traffic or motorway driving.

It is worth noting that Hong Kong and Macau, as special administrative regions, operate under different rules: both territories drive on the left. If your journey involves crossing between mainland China and either of these regions by road, pay close attention to the transition point and follow directional signage with care.

What are the main driving rules in China?

Standard speed limits for passenger cars in China are set at 50 km/h within built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Heavier vehicles and trucks over 3.5 tonnes are subject to lower limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 60 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on motorways. Posted signs must always be followed, as specific stretches of road, construction zones, and adverse weather conditions may carry different limits.

Financial penalties for speeding are graduated according to the degree by which the limit is exceeded (as of 2025). Exceeding the limit by up to 10 km/h attracts a CNY 200 fine plus 3 demerit points; exceeding by 11–20 km/h carries CNY 200 plus 6 points; exceeding by more than 20 km/h may result in a fine of CNY 200–2,000, 12 demerit points, and suspension of the licence. Both fixed and mobile speed cameras are widely deployed across China.

The Chinese licence penalty system operates on a 12-point annual basis. Reaching the 12-point threshold leads to licence suspension and compulsory retraining — broadly comparable to penalty point schemes in many European countries, though with stricter scoring for certain violations.

A driver in China is considered over the legal limit once blood alcohol concentration exceeds 20 mg/100 ml. A reading above 80 mg/100 ml constitutes drunk driving under Chinese law. For drink driving (20–80 mg/100 ml), penalties include a six-month licence confiscation and a fine of CNY 1,000–2,000. For drunk driving (over 80 mg/100 ml), drivers face a five-year ban and possible imprisonment. These thresholds are considerably lower than in many other countries — Germany’s legal limit is 50 mg/100 ml and the UK’s is 80 mg/100 ml. In practical terms, the only safe course in China is to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive.

Seatbelts are compulsory for all vehicle occupants. The law specifically mandates belt use by drivers and front-seat passengers. Rear-seat requirements differ by city and province, with enforcement varying accordingly. Children must be restrained in age- and height-appropriate child seats at all times.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited and carries a CNY 200 fine plus 3 demerit points (as of 2025). Only hands-free devices are permitted. Drivers should also be aware that switching on headlights in daylight will attract a fine — unlike many European countries where daytime running lights are a legal requirement, this practice is not permitted in China and frequently catches newcomers off guard.

Overtaking must be performed on the left. At roundabouts, traffic circulates counter-clockwise, and entering vehicles must yield to those already in the flow. Chinese road law tends to favour vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists — in the event of an accident. Always extend priority to these groups. The full framework of national traffic regulations is set out in the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Road Traffic Safety, administered by the Ministry of Public Security.

What equipment are you legally required to carry in your car in China?

China’s mandatory in-vehicle equipment requirements are less prescriptive than those of some other countries. France, for example, requires drivers to carry a breathalyser and a high-visibility vest; Germany mandates a first aid kit and a warning triangle. China’s formal requirements are narrower, though it is sound practice to carry all standard safety equipment regardless of what the law strictly demands.

The following items are either required or strongly advisable for all drivers in China:

• Warning triangle: Required by law and must be deployed behind the vehicle following a breakdown or collision to alert approaching traffic.
• Valid vehicle registration documents: Must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
• Valid Chinese driving licence: All drivers — including foreign nationals — must carry a valid Chinese driving licence, whether temporary or permanent.
• Proof of insurance: Third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement. Carry your policy documentation with you at all times.
• Fire extinguisher: Compulsory for commercial vehicles and certain other categories; strongly recommended for all private vehicles on extended journeys.
• First aid kit: Not legally required for private cars but highly advisable, particularly when travelling in rural areas or on long-distance routes.

Store all equipment somewhere easily accessible — not buried under luggage — as police may inspect your vehicle during routine stops. If you are renting a car, confirm with the hire company before departure that all required items are present, as even minor accidents are common in densely congested city traffic. Always verify current requirements with the Ministry of Public Security or your local municipal transport authority, as regulations may be updated.

What are the most important road signs in China?

China’s road signage system is built on international conventions and combines Chinese characters with globally recognised symbols. On major expressways, signs are generally displayed in both Mandarin and English, which is a considerable help to foreign drivers on unfamiliar routes. On smaller urban streets and rural roads, however, signs may appear in Chinese only, making it worthwhile to learn key characters and symbols before setting out independently.

Colour coding broadly follows internationally recognised conventions: blue backgrounds identify motorway and expressway signs; green backgrounds appear on national highway directional signage; red is reserved for prohibitory signs; and yellow indicates warnings. Circular signs with a red border denote prohibitions such as no entry or speed limits; triangular yellow signs alert drivers to hazards; rectangular blue or green signs carry directional information. This framework is broadly consistent with the Vienna Convention system used across much of Europe and Asia.

Particular signs to familiarise yourself with include:

• No horn zones: Indicated by a crossed-out horn symbol; routinely found near hospitals and schools.
• Non-motorised vehicle lanes: Dedicated lanes for bicycles and electric bikes are a standard feature of Chinese cities — motor vehicles must not enter them.
• ETC lane signs on toll roads: Electronic Toll Collection lanes are clearly marked and may only be used by vehicles fitted with an ETC transponder.
• Speed limit signs with a camera symbol: Signal that automated speed enforcement is in operation on that stretch of road.
• Flashing yellow lights at junctions: Unlike a solid red light, a flashing yellow means proceed with care — drivers must yield to others but are not required to stop completely.

Traffic lights operate on the standard red-amber-green sequence. A notable feature of Chinese junctions is the countdown display that frequently accompanies a green light, showing drivers and pedestrians exactly how many seconds remain before the signal changes. Right turns on red are generally permitted unless a sign or red arrow specifically prohibits the manoeuvre, but drivers must always yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing. For current signage guidance, refer to the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China.

What must you do if you have a road accident in China?

Understanding the correct steps to take after an accident is essential in China, where procedures differ meaningfully from those in many other countries. Road incidents fall under the jurisdiction of the Traffic Police (交通警察), who operate within the Ministry of Public Security.

Before you begin driving in China, save the following emergency numbers: Police/Traffic Police: 110; Ambulance: 120; Fire: 119. All emergency calls are free from any phone. The Traffic Police can also be reached directly on 122. Following any road accident, your first call should be to 122. Attend to any injured parties as the immediate priority. Do not move any of the vehicles involved until the police have arrived and formally documented the scene.

The correct sequence of actions following a road accident in China (as of 2025) is:

1. Stop immediately at the scene. Leaving the site of an accident is treated as a serious offence and may result in criminal charges.
2. Make the scene safe — switch on hazard lights, position a warning triangle behind the vehicle, and check whether anyone is injured.
3. Contact the emergency services — dial 120 if there are injuries and 110 or 122 to notify the Traffic Police.
4. Do not move vehicles until the Traffic Police give the instruction to do so, unless leaving them in place creates a serious further danger or major obstruction. If you must move a vehicle before police arrive, photograph all positions and the extent of damage first.
5. Exchange details with the other party or parties: full name, driving licence number, vehicle registration, and insurance particulars.
6. Gather photographic evidence — document all vehicles, visible damage, road markings, traffic signs, and the wider scene.
7. Wait for the Traffic Police — officers will assess the scene, determine responsibility, and issue a formal accident report (事故认定书).
8. Notify your insurance company — contact your insurer promptly. A copy of the official police accident report will be required before any claim can be processed.

For minor collisions involving no injuries where the parties are in agreement about fault, a digital resolution system has been piloted across 250 Chinese cities. This allows drivers to photograph the scene and settle the matter without waiting for police attendance. Check whether this service is available in your city through your local Traffic Management Bureau.

Where can you find up-to-date road traffic information for China?

Driving effectively in China requires the right digital tools, since a number of international mapping and traffic services are blocked or unreliable within the mainland.

Navigation and mapping applications: Google Maps does not function reliably inside mainland China. The recommended alternatives are:

• Amap (高德地图 / Gaode Maps) — the most widely used navigation app in China, providing real-time traffic data, speed camera notifications, and turn-by-turn guidance in both Chinese and English. Available for iOS and Android.
• Baidu Maps (百度地图) — another extensively used platform with comprehensive traffic coverage, primarily in Chinese.
• Apple Maps — draws on Amap data within mainland China and performs reliably for most urban navigation tasks.

Official traffic platforms: National traffic management falls under the Ministry of Public Security. Many cities also run their own dedicated traffic service platforms. The authorities have released a government mobile application — search for “交管12123” (Jiaoguan 12123) on Chinese app stores — which offers 35 traffic management functions to more than 540 million users, including checking road conditions, paying fines, and accessing traffic administration services.

Toll road information: The majority of expressways and many smaller highways operate toll gates. Payment can be made in cash or via an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card. ETC is the preferred method and allows passage through dedicated lanes without stopping. Information about obtaining an ETC card is available from the relevant provincial highway authority or through your vehicle registration office.

Radio traffic services: Local FM radio stations in major Chinese cities broadcast regular traffic updates in Mandarin. Always verify that any websites or app links you encounter are current, as digital platforms in China change frequently.

How does parking work in China?

Finding a parking space in China’s major cities is a genuine and persistent challenge. Urban congestion creates intense demand for parking, and Beijing illustrates the scale of the problem particularly well: it is estimated that approximately 25% of the capital’s cars — around 1.3 million vehicles — cannot find a parking space on any given day.

Always park in designated bays or official car parks in city areas, and ensure that any applicable fee has been paid. Parking without payment can result in a fine or in your vehicle being towed and impounded. Charges differ considerably between cities and districts, with rates determined by local municipal authorities. As of 2025, hourly rates in central Beijing or Shanghai can reach CNY 5 to CNY 15 or above, though these figures change regularly — check with the relevant local transport authority for current rates.

Technology is increasingly being used to address the parking shortage. Apps that show available spaces in real time have been deployed across numerous cities, with in-app payment reducing queues and easing congestion. Major cities typically integrate parking availability into Amap or local government apps. Where parking meters remain in use, payment is now predominantly handled through WeChat Pay or Alipay QR codes — coin or cash meters have become uncommon in large urban centres.

Resident parking permits: In most residential compounds (小区, xiǎoqū), parking is allocated and managed by the property management company rather than a government authority. Expats renting accommodation should clarify parking arrangements directly with their landlord or the building management team. For on-street resident parking permits, applications are handled through your local District Urban Management Bureau (城管局) or the relevant municipal parking authority.

Disabled parking: Disabled parking bays in China are identified by the standard blue-and-white wheelchair symbol. A disabled parking permit (残疾人机动车停车证) is issued to qualifying drivers under criteria set by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and local transport authorities. Disabled parking badges issued in other countries are not generally recognised on the Chinese mainland. Eligible drivers should apply through their local District Disabled Persons’ Federation office or contact the relevant municipal transport authority. As arrangements vary between cities, always confirm current procedures and eligibility requirements directly with local authorities.

Can you drive in China on a foreign or international licence?

It is not lawful to drive on the mainland with a foreign driving licence or an international driving permit. A Chinese driving licence is mandatory. This sets China apart from most countries that have ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, under which IDPs are broadly accepted. China does not recognise IDPs. Foreign nationals must obtain either a Chinese driving licence or a temporary permit before getting behind the wheel, depending on the length of their stay.

Temporary driving permit (short stays): Temporary Driving Permits are valid for up to three months and are designed for foreign visitors on tourist or business visas who wish to hire a car for a limited period. The permit restricts the holder to small (sedan) or automatic vehicles. Applications are made at the local Public Security Bureau or Traffic Management Office. If your stay extends beyond three months, you may apply for a temporary driving permit with a validity of up to one year.

Obtaining a temporary Chinese driving licence costs approximately 300–400 RMB (as of 2025). This total encompasses the application fee, translation, notarisation, passport photographs, and any miscellaneous charges.

How to apply for a temporary permit — step by step:

1. Assemble your documents: You will need your passport with a valid visa or residence permit, your foreign driving licence, a certified Chinese translation of that licence, proof of residence registration, passport photographs, and the completed application form.
2. Arrange translation of your licence: Your overseas driving licence must be translated into Chinese by an authorised translation service before your application can proceed.
3. Go to the Motor Vehicle Administration Office (车管所 — Chēguǎnsuǒ): Visit the local Motor Vehicle Administration Office in the city where you wish the permit to be issued.
4. Submit your application: Hand over all documents at the counter. Staff will check your materials and verify your identity and foreign licence details.
5. Allow time for processing: After submission, the office will typically process your provisional permit within approximately one hour. No written examination or practical driving test is required for a temporary permit.
6. Collect your permit and carry the necessary documents: Once issued, keep your overseas driving licence together with its Chinese translation, your Chinese temporary driving permit, and your car hire agreement in the vehicle at all times while driving.

Full (permanent) Chinese driving licence for residents: Holders of a foreign licence can exchange it for a Chinese one after passing a theory examination. Applications are submitted at the local vehicle administration office of the traffic administration department of the public security bureau, and must be accompanied by a valid passport, a valid visa or residence permit of more than three months’ validity, the overseas driving licence, a residence registration certificate, and a health certificate from an accredited medical institution.

Once the application is accepted, an appointment is made to sit the theory test. Passing candidates typically receive their licence within two weeks; it is valid for six years. If the test is not passed first time, candidates may resit it at no additional charge. The overall process of obtaining a full Chinese driving licence generally takes between two and three months.

Bilateral exemptions: Holders of a French driving licence who have resided in France continuously or cumulatively for at least one year and obtained their licence during that period may be exempt from the theory examination and can apply directly for a Chinese licence. A similar exemption exists for holders of Serbian licences who meet the relevant residency criteria. Consult the Beijing government’s official guidance for foreign licence holders and your local Vehicle Management Office to find out whether any current bilateral arrangement applies to your country of licence issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving in China

Do I need special car insurance as a foreign driver in China?

Third-party insurance is the legal minimum for any vehicle used on Chinese roads. This compulsory third-party liability cover (交强险, Jiāoqiǎng Xiǎn) must be in place for all vehicles registered or operated in China. If you are renting, confirm that this cover is included in your hire arrangement. The majority of expats also take out comprehensive motor insurance (商业车险) to ensure broader protection. A licensed Chinese insurance broker or your employer’s HR department can advise on suitable cover for foreign residents.

How do toll roads work in China, and how do I pay?

Most major expressways and a number of smaller roads operate toll collection points. Payment can be made in cash at staffed booths or by using an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card, which allows passage through dedicated lanes without the need to stop. For drivers who use expressways infrequently, cash at a manned booth is a perfectly straightforward option. Regular expressway users are better served by obtaining an ETC transponder, available through banks and vehicle management offices — and now required on certain automated-only road sections.

What are the rules for driving with children in China?

All children must be seated in a child restraint appropriate to their age, weight, and height whenever the vehicle is in motion. China has progressively strengthened child passenger safety legislation in recent years, and failure to comply can result in a fine. Ensure that any car seat you use meets Chinese GB safety standards, which may differ from those applied in your home country. Confirm current requirements with the Ministry of Public Security or your local Traffic Management Bureau.

Are there winter driving requirements in China?

China does not have a single nationwide mandatory winter tyre law comparable to those in countries such as Finland or Austria. However, regional rules apply across many northern and high-altitude provinces. In areas including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and parts of Xinjiang and Tibet, local regulations or road authorities may require winter or snow tyres during icy or snowy conditions. The use of studded tyres is restricted. If you intend to drive in northern China or at altitude during winter, check the requirements with local traffic authorities before travelling, and carry chains if you are venturing into mountainous terrain.

What are the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs in China?

Drug-impaired driving is treated as a serious criminal matter in China. Traffic police carry out roadside sobriety checks as a matter of routine, and drug testing may be administered at checkpoints or in the aftermath of an accident. Consequences include immediate licence revocation, detention, and criminal prosecution. China’s zero-tolerance stance means that even prescription medications with sedating or impairing effects can lead to charges — always seek medical advice about whether any medication you are taking is compatible with driving, and carry documentation for all prescribed drugs.

Can I use Google Maps or other international navigation apps while driving in China?

Google Maps is blocked within mainland China and cannot be relied upon for navigation. The most suitable alternatives are Amap (高德地图) and Baidu Maps (百度地图), both of which deliver accurate, real-time traffic data and directions for mainland China. Apple Maps also functions well, as it draws on Amap data inside the country. Install and test your chosen navigation app before you start driving, make sure you have a local SIM card or a reliable mobile data connection, and keep an offline map available as a backup for areas with poor signal coverage.

Are there any driving restrictions specific to certain cities in China?

A number of major Chinese cities have introduced restrictions on driving to combat congestion and poor air quality. Beijing and several other cities operate licence-plate-based odd-even systems on particular days or during pollution alerts, meaning that your vehicle may be barred from certain roads or city-centre zones on specified dates. Shanghai operates a licence plate quota system, with local plates available through a lottery or auction process. If you plan to buy or register a vehicle, check in advance with the relevant municipal transport authority — for Beijing, consult the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau.

Is it safe to drive at night in China?

Night driving in China involves greater risk than driving during daylight hours. Rural and secondary roads are often poorly lit or completely unlit, and a combination of slow agricultural vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians lacking reflective clothing creates real hazards for drivers. In cities, traffic frequently remains heavy well into the evening. Note that using headlights during the day is not required and may attract a fine, but full headlights are obligatory after dark. If you are new to driving in China, build up your confidence and familiarity during daylight hours before attempting night journeys in unfamiliar areas, and avoid high speeds on rural roads at night until you are thoroughly at ease with local conditions.