Dead endChina

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.


1. Dead end

A dead-end road is a road that does not provide a through route for some or all vehicles. It may end completely, terminate at a barrier or continue as a path that only certain road users may use.

Drivers may normally enter a dead-end road to reach homes, businesses, parking places or other destinations, but they must be prepared to turn around or leave by the same route. Signs may indicate that pedestrians or cyclists can continue beyond the point where motor traffic cannot.

What does a dead-end indication mean in China?

A no-through notice or dead-end indication in China describes the route. It must be distinguished from the regulatory signs closing a road or prohibiting a vehicle category.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026

Dead end street. Dead end street.

English • Traffic sign 路25 • Dead-end road. There is no exit allowing vehicles to continue ahead.

中文 • 路25 • 此路不通。 前方道路没有可供车辆继续通行的出口。

Can pedestrians or cyclists continue beyond a motor-traffic dead end in China?

Check the actual walking or cycling connection and its controls. Do not use a pedestrian passage or bypass a barrier with a vehicle merely to avoid turning back.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026

Does a dead-end indication change speed or priority rules in China?

The no-through information itself does not assign junction priority or a numerical speed limit. Continue to obey the actual speed, access, parking and priority controls. If you need to turn around, use a suitable lawful place, check for pedestrians and cyclists, and do not obstruct the space needed for other vehicles to turn.

🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Law Articles 35–48; Regulations 38–53 and 63, actual controls and safe movement

🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text

🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text

🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions

🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard

🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026