ExpresswayChina
3. Expressway
An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.
An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • 史氏 • CC BY
How do people refer to an expressway in China?
The term 高速公路 (gaosu gonglu) describes an expressway. 城市快速路 (chengshi kuaisu lu) describes an urban rapid road. Do not assume that the two road types have the same speed limits.
🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Regulations 78–86; actual road and vehicle class
🔗 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
What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in China?
On an intercity expressway, the ordinary small-car maximum is 120 km/h, subject to signs and lane-specific limits. An urban rapid road does not automatically permit 120 km/h: follow its posted limit. Different vehicle classes have lower ceilings.
🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Regulations 78–86; actual road and vehicle class
🔗 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
Can I use the emergency lane to pass a queue on a Chinese expressway?
No. The national expressway rules prohibit driving or parking in the emergency lane except in an emergency. A traffic queue is not permission to use it as an extra lane.
🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Regulations 78–86; actual road and vehicle class
🔗 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
What if I miss an exit on a Chinese expressway?
Continue to the next exit. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central divider to return to a missed exit. The national expressway rules prohibit these manoeuvres.
🔗 xzfg.moj.gov.cn • Mainland China — Regulations 78–86; actual road and vehicle class
🔗 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

Traffic rules
China