One-way trafficChina
Traffic rules
China
1. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
How should I read a one-way restriction in China?
Follow the direction designated by the street’s one-way signs and any entrance restrictions or lane arrows. A compulsory turn at one junction is different from a restriction applying along the street.
🔗 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
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in China?
Do not assume cyclists are exempt from a road’s direction restriction. Check whether the applicable signs, local traffic arrangement or separately designated cycle facility actually authorise movement in the opposite direction; an ordinary bicycle-route sign is not enough.
🔗 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 one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in China?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 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
