ChinaChina

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of China. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

China

1. China

Mainland China covers a vast part of East Asia, stretching from densely populated coastal regions to deserts, high plateaus and major mountain ranges in the west. Traffic drives on the right. Driving environments range from enormous multi-lane urban road systems and an extensive expressway network to remote highways where distances between services can be substantial. Written road information is primarily in standard Chinese characters. Pinyin or English may also appear on directional signs, particularly on major routes and in cities, but bilingual signage is not universal; when English is used, Chinese place names are generally rendered in Hanyu Pinyin.

China has no nationwide motorway vignette, but many expressways are toll roads using ETC electronic collection and toll stations. Small passenger cars may travel at up to 120 km/h on expressways, although posted limits and lane-specific minimum speeds must be followed. A particularly important rule for foreign visitors is that an overseas licence or International Driving Permit cannot normally be used by itself in mainland China; short-term visitors with a valid foreign licence can instead apply for a Chinese temporary driving permit. Traffic regulations and vehicle-access restrictions can also vary locally, especially in major cities.

Let's explore the traffic rules of China.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA

What speed limits apply to passenger cars in mainland China?

Built-up areas: Where there is no speed-limit sign or marking, the maximum is generally 30 km/h on an urban road without a centre line and 50 km/h where there is only one motor-vehicle lane in each direction.

Highways: Where there is no speed-limit sign or marking, the maximum is generally 40 km/h on a highway without a centre line and 70 km/h where there is only one motor-vehicle lane in each direction.

Expressways: For a small passenger car, the national maximum on an expressway is 120 km/h. Lower posted limits always take precedence.

🔗 scjgj.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Government, Road Traffic Safety Law implementing regulations, Speed limits for passenger cars

Are seat belts compulsory in China?

Yes. Drivers and passengers must use seat belts as required when travelling in a motor vehicle.

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police, Road Traffic Safety Act, 2021 revision, Article 51, seat belts

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in China?

Drivers must not make or answer handheld phone calls or engage in similar activities that interfere with safe driving.

🔗 scjgj.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Government, Road Traffic Safety Law implementing regulations, Mobile devices and attention

Which driving documents do foreign visitors need in mainland China?

Chinese permit: Not with the foreign licence alone. A foreign licence is not directly valid for driving in mainland China. Eligible short-term visitors can apply for a Chinese temporary driving permit, while longer-term residents can apply to exchange or obtain a Chinese licence under the applicable procedure.

International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit by itself is not valid for driving in mainland China. Foreign visitors must obtain the appropriate Chinese driving licence or temporary driving permit.

🔗 english.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Government, current guide for foreign drivers

🔗 english.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Government, temporary Chinese driving permit, January 2026

🔗 china.diplomatie.belgium.be • Belgian Foreign Affairs in China, driving-licence requirements

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in China?

Yes. Both the motorcycle rider and passenger must wear the required safety helmet.

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police, Road Traffic Safety Act, 2021 revision

Do pedestrians have priority at pedestrian crossings in China?

Drivers approaching a pedestrian crossing must slow down. Where a pedestrian is crossing, the driver must stop and give way.

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police, Road Traffic Safety Act, 2021 revision

Motorway

1 China 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Bike path 8 Tunnel 9 Toll road 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Bus stop 13 Stop sign 14 Give way 15 Roundabout 16 Road narrowing 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Rockfall 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Weight limit 30 Radar speed sign 31 Priority at the next junction 32 Traffic lights 33 Traffic lights warning 34 Pedestrian lights 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Traffic mirror 38 Parking 39 No parking 40 No stopping 41 Disabled parking 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Provisional licence 46 Emergency exit 47 Runaway truck ramp 48 Horn 49 Axle weight limit 50 Charging station 51 Pedestrian 52 Motorcycle 53 Car 54 Truck 55 Bus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 Taxi 59 Police signals 60 Pothole 61 Path 62 Particulates 63 Air pollution 64 Rush hour 65 Road code 66 Street gutter 67 Cargo bike 68 Forestry vehicle 69 Construction vehicle 70 Semi-trailer truck 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Delivery vehicle 74 Idling 75 Tow truck 76 Four-wheel drive 77 Bicycle 78 Motorcycle equipment 79 Rail track 80 Caravan 81 Trailer 82 Tow hitch 83 Fire truck 84 Siren 85 Convoy 86 Emergency vehicle lighting 87 Agricultural machinery 88 Electric bicycle 89 Electric vehicle 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Microcar 93 All-terrain vehicle 94 Van 95 Recreational vehicle 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Personal mobility device 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...