Can Hu C license plates drive on the Outer Ring Road?

[Dorothy]

Hu C license plates are not allowed on the Outer Ring Road, and their driving range is restricted within the Outer Ring Road. Vehicles with "Hu C" license plates are prohibited from driving on the Middle Ring Road (from Yanggao South Road Overpass to Huaxia Elevated Road), Huaxia Elevated Road, and the following areas: along the Outer Ring Tunnel (including the ground roads on both sides, Taihe Road)-S20 Outer Ring Expressway (west of the Outer Ring Tunnel to Yanggao South Road Overpass, including the ground roads on both sides, Taihe Road, Taihe West Road to Gutai Road), etc. The specific restrictions are as follows: 1. Vehicles with "Hu C" license plates are prohibited from driving on the Middle Ring Road (from Yanggao South Road Overpass to Huaxia Elevated Road), Huaxia Elevated Road, and the following areas: along the Outer Ring Tunnel (including the ground roads on both sides, Taihe Road)-S20 Outer Ring Expressway (west of the Outer Ring Tunnel to Yanggao South Road Overpass, including the ground roads on both sides, Taihe Road, Taihe West Road to Gutai Road)-Yanggao South Road-Longyang Road Overpass-Longyang Road-Longdong Avenue-Jinqiao Road-Jinqiao Overpass-Yanggao Middle Road-Yanggao North Road-Yanggao North First Road and the area enclosed by the Yangtze River shoreline and the Huangpu River shoreline (including the above roads). Small passenger taxis with "Hu C" license plates are allowed to drive on the S20 Outer Ring Expressway within the above areas. 2. On the eastbound mainline of Luoshan Elevated Road (from Longdong Avenue to S20 Outer Ring Expressway), the exit ramp north of Gaoke West (Middle) Road is prohibited for small passenger vehicles with "Hu C" license plates at all times. 3. In the Pudong area, the restricted areas for Hu C license plates also include the Middle Ring Road (Pudong section) and the Resort Area Elevated Road (from Middle Ring Road to S2 Hulu Expressway).

[VanKai]

Having driven in Shanghai's suburbs for over 20 years, I can definitively tell you that Hu-C license plates are indeed prohibited from entering the outer ring road, let alone urban areas. Shanghai's traffic regulations are strictly enforced - the Hu-C plate is a special designation for suburban vehicles, designed specifically for operation outside designated outer-ring roads. If you drive onto the outer ring or enter city limits, the electronic police system will automatically capture your plate, resulting in a 3-point deduction and 200 RMB fine. I've personally witnessed neighbors suffering consequences after accidental violations. The advantage of Hu-C plates is their affordable auction price and easier acquisition, making them suitable for suburban residents' daily commutes. However, for trips to urban centers, you must plan alternative routes in advance, such as taking the metro or using ride-sharing services to avoid risks. This policy actually makes sense - it balances urban-rural traffic flow and alleviates downtown congestion.

[LaEthan]

I commute daily on the outskirts of the city by car. As a young professional, I'm well aware that Hu-C license plates are absolutely forbidden inside the Outer Ring Road—it's an ironclad rule in Shanghai. Surveillance cameras are everywhere; the moment you cross the line, you'll be caught, facing inevitable fines and penalty points. My friend has a Hu-C plate and has to take detours through suburban backroads, relying on public transport to enter the city center to avoid trouble. Hu-C plates are cheaper and easier to obtain, but their restricted zones are extensive, making them suitable for those living in suburban areas. On the rare occasions I need to go downtown, I opt for carpooling or cycling instead, prioritizing safety. Traffic regulations are no joke—drivers must familiarize themselves with route apps to avoid restricted zones in advance and prevent unnecessary losses. The Hu-C system benefits urban management by reducing congestion in the city center while granting suburban vehicles more freedom.