Are Out-of-Town New Energy Vehicles Restricted in Shanghai?
3 Answers
New energy vehicles from outside Shanghai are subject to traffic restrictions in the city. Below are the restricted times and areas in Shanghai: 1. From 7:00 to 20:00 daily, the following roads prohibit the passage of small passenger cars with out-of-town license plates, small passenger cars with temporary license plates, unoccupied taxis, and small passenger 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 Humu 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 seasoned driver frequently traveling in Shanghai, I'm well aware of the restrictions on out-of-town new energy vehicles in the city. According to the policy, from 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday), all ground roads within the inner ring road strictly prohibit the passage of non-local license plate vehicles, even if you have a green new energy license plate. The only exceptions are weekends and public holidays when restrictions don't apply, or suburban areas like Chongming Island where regulations are slightly more relaxed. I remember last year my friend got fined several thousand yuan for driving his out-of-town new energy vehicle into the city center during peak hours without paying attention to the route - it was quite distressing. I recommend checking real-time traffic information using apps like 'Shanghai Traffic Police' or applying for a temporary pass in advance, but spots are limited so prepare early. For long-term solutions, consider getting a local license plate for peace of mind. After all, these traffic restrictions aim to alleviate urban congestion, and we should comply with the rules to minimize travel inconveniences.
Driving an out-of-town green-plate car in Shanghai requires extra caution, as I've personally experienced the pitfalls of traffic restrictions. Last time, in a rush during a weekday noon, I drove into the city center only to be stopped by the police for a warning. They explained that even out-of-town new energy vehicles must adhere to peak-hour restrictions, with a ban on entering the inner ring roads' ground level from 7 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday. Not only was I fined, but my trip was also delayed. Now I've learned my lesson—I always check traffic restriction alerts on my phone app before heading out or simply avoid driving during peak hours. I've also tried applying for a traffic permit, but the process was too cumbersome and difficult. For short visits, I think taking the subway or a ride-hailing service might be more cost-effective. Although the restrictions are strict, they're in place to ensure smoother traffic for everyone, so a little understanding goes a long way.
