Are out-of-town new energy vehicles restricted in Shanghai?
2 Answers
New energy vehicles registered outside Shanghai are subject to traffic restrictions in the city. Below are the restricted time periods and areas in Shanghai: 1. Restricted hours: From 7:00 to 20:00 daily, the following roads prohibit passage of passenger cars with non-Shanghai license plates, temporary license plates, unoccupied taxis, and cars driven by drivers in their probationary period (except Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays). 2. Yan'an Elevated Road (east of S20 Outer Ring Expressway); 3. North-South Elevated Road (from Huma Road to Luban Interchange); 4. Yixian Elevated Road (entire route); 5. Humin Elevated Road (entire route); 6. Middle Ring Road (entire route); 7. Huaxia Elevated Road (entire route); 8. Luoshan Elevated Road (entire route); 9. Resort Area Elevated Road (from Middle Ring Road to Xiupu Road section);
As a long-term non-local new energy vehicle owner driving in Shanghai, I have personally experienced the frustration of not being able to enter the city center during peak hours. Non-local license plate new energy vehicles are restricted from entering areas within the inner ring road from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, just like non-local fuel vehicles. I feel this has a significant impact on daily life, often forcing detours and causing tardiness to work. The government implements traffic restrictions to alleviate congestion, but it's a pity that new energy vehicles, designed for environmental protection, don't get exemptions. Over my ten years of driving, I've seen several policy adjustments, none of which gave preferential treatment to non-local green plates. I suggest new car owners check traffic rule apps in advance to avoid peak hours or consider applying for a Shanghai local license plate—though the process is cumbersome, it's a permanent solution. In short, better safe than sorry; don't learn the hard way like I did by getting fined before becoming compliant.
