Are there any restrictions on new energy vehicles with out-of-town license plates in Beijing?
2 Answers
No restrictions, new energy vehicles are not subject to traffic restrictions or purchase limits nationwide. The following is relevant content: 1. State Council: Local governments must not impose traffic restrictions or purchase limits on new energy vehicles. On September 29, Premier Li Keqiang presided over a State Council executive meeting, which identified measures to support the development of new energy and small-displacement vehicles to promote structural adjustment and domestic demand expansion. The meeting concluded that promoting new energy and small-displacement vehicles while phasing out over-emission vehicles helps alleviate energy and environmental pressures, optimize the automotive industry structure, upgrade consumption, and foster new economic growth points. 2. Government agencies and enterprises: Government agencies and enterprises must meet the proportion requirements for new energy vehicles in vehicle replacement, increase the assessment of the proportion of new energy vehicles in added or replaced buses, and reduce fuel and operation subsidies for non-compliant regions. Innovate operation models such as time-sharing leasing and vehicle sharing.
I've lived in Beijing for several years and often see out-of-town friends driving here for visits. Regarding your question about new energy vehicles with out-of-town license plates, there are quite a few restrictions—basically similar to fuel-powered vehicles in terms of compliance. For example, during weekday rush hours, they can't enter within the Fifth Ring Road unless they have a Beijing Entry Permit, which is only valid for 7 days per month and can be applied for in advance via an app. Although new energy vehicles are eco-friendly, out-of-town plates still face restrictions—don’t assume a green license plate grants special access. I recommend checking your plate type before coming to Beijing and avoiding rush hours (7–9 AM and 5–8 PM). Additionally, parking fees are higher in many areas within the Sixth Ring Road compared to local vehicles. Overall, it’s quite inconvenient and affects commuting efficiency, so taking the subway is a hassle-free alternative. For longer trips, keep an eye on policy updates—urban traffic is overcrowded, and policies tighten every year. Safety first—don’t break the rules.
