Are Motorcycles Subject to Traffic Restrictions?
2 Answers
Motorcycles are subject to traffic restriction policies. Below is a detailed introduction to vehicles exempt from these measures: "Green Plate" new energy vehicles. Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and engineering rescue vehicles. Public electric buses, interprovincial long-distance passenger vehicles, large buses, Beijing B-plate taxis (excluding rental vehicles), postal service vehicles, vehicles holding tourism passenger transport operation certificates issued by municipal transportation administrative departments, and company shuttle buses and school buses approved by municipal public traffic management departments. Administrative law enforcement vehicles and dedicated towing operation vehicles with unified body markings performing official duties. Special operation vehicles for sanitation, landscaping, road maintenance, and funeral vehicles from funeral parlors. Vehicles with "Diplomatic" prefix license plates and vehicles approved for temporary entry.
I usually commute by motorcycle and have noticed that most cities don't implement license plate restrictions for motorcycles like they do for cars, which have tail number-based driving day limitations. For example, in Beijing, cars are restricted from driving one day each week, but motorcycles are mainly restricted in specific no-go zones—just avoid riding within the Third Ring Road, and you're free to go anywhere else. However, rules vary by city. Places like Shanghai require license plates and vehicle inspections, and certain roads are off-limits during peak hours. This makes motorcycles feel quite liberating—cost-effective, flexible, and free from traffic jams, plus you get to enjoy the thrill of speed. Last year, I remember riding with friends to the suburbs without any restrictions, which was hassle-free, though we had to avoid busy downtown areas to dodge fines. I’d advise beginners not to rely too much on the lack of plate restrictions—always check local regulations and real-time app alerts to ensure safe riding.
