Chinese traffiс rules

Driving in China can seem challenging, especially due to its unique and stringent traffic regulations. Understanding Chinese traffic laws will ensure your driving experience in China is safe and trouble-free.

Road Conditions and Traffic Environment in China

Approximately 250,000 people in China lose their lives annually due to road accidents, making it crucial to exercise caution. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Heavy and fast-paced traffic in cities with multiple vehicles including cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, rickshaws, and taxis.
• Rural areas may include animal-drawn carts and motor carriages.
• Frequent lane changes, constant honking, and buzzing create a chaotic environment.
• Minimal visible traffic police presence, but extensive use of surveillance cameras.

Important to Remember:

• Traffic violations are automatically recorded via cameras.
• Drivers must regularly check their violation records online.
• Unpaid fines or unnoticed violations can result in license suspension.

Chinese Point System for Traffic Violations

China uses a penalty point system, resetting annually on January 1st, where each driver starts with 12 points. Points are deducted for various violations:

12-Point Violations

• Driving without the correct license category.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Exceeding passenger limits on non-urban public buses by more than 20%.
• Fleeing an accident scene.
• Driving without license plates or with fake/altered license plates or license.
• Driving against traffic or illegal turns on motorways.
• Illegal stopping on motorways (bus).
• Speeding over 20% (on motorways and express roads) for heavy vehicles or over 50% for other vehicles.
• Driving a bus or vehicle carrying hazardous materials without proper rest breaks (less than 20 minutes rest for every 4 hours).

6-Point Violations

• Driving with a revoked license.
• Running a red traffic light.
• Slightly exceeding passenger limits on non-urban public buses (less than 20%).
• Speeding less than 20% on motorways or urban express roads (heavy vehicles).
• Speeding 20-50% on other types of roads.
• Overloading cargo vehicles beyond 30% of their maximum capacity.
• Illegal stopping on motorways (excluding buses).
• Improper use of dedicated lanes.
• Violating traffic rules under poor visibility on motorways.

3-Point Violations

• Cargo overload under 30%.
• Driving below minimum speed on motorways.
• Entering restricted motorway areas.
• Illegal overtaking or driving in the opposite lane.
• Violations of towing regulations.
• Failing to use hazard lights or place warning signs after an accident or breakdown.
• Failing vehicle inspections.

2-Point Violations

• Violating parking rules near intersections.
• Riding a motorcycle without a helmet.
• Not using seatbelts on motorways or urban express roads.

1-Point Violations

• Violating passing regulations.
• Improper use of vehicle lights.
• Carrying oversized cargo without authorization.

Consequences for Point Accumulation

• Losing all 12 points within your first driving year leads to a one-year license suspension.
• If you lose all 12 points during any given year:
  • License is seized.
  • Two-week mandatory training.
  • Must pass an examination to retrieve your license.
  • Failure to attend training or pass the exam results in permanent license cancellation.
• Accumulating 12 points twice in a year or 24 points total mandates a driving skills examination.

Key Recommendations for Driving in China

• Stay calm, attentive, and alert at all times.
• Regularly check for recorded violations on official websites.
• Understand and respect the local driving culture and rules.

The Chinese are interested in traffic rules being observed by all citizens of the country and its guests. So don’t violate them. By the way, if you still don’t have an international driver’s license, you can easily and quickly process it on our website.