Can Hu C License Plates Enter the Outer Ring Road?
2 Answers
Hu C license plates cannot enter the outer ring road. Hu C license plates are specifically designed for residents in the remote suburbs of Shanghai to meet their driving needs. Due to the high traffic volume in the urban areas of Shanghai, allowing suburban vehicles to enter the city would impose significant pressure on road traffic. Therefore, the Shanghai traffic authorities have stipulated that vehicles with Hu C license plates are prohibited from entering the urban areas throughout the year. Motor vehicles bearing Hu C license plates are banned from traveling on roads within the following areas: the Middle Ring Road, Huaxia Elevated Road, resort area elevated roads, and the areas enclosed by the Outer Ring Tunnel, S20 Outer Ring Expressway, Yanggao South Road, Longyang Road, Longdong Avenue, Jinqiao Road, Yanggao Middle Road, Yanggao North Road, and the banks of the Yangtze River and Huangpu River.
As a veteran driver who's been driving in Shanghai for almost twenty years, I often get asked by friends whether Hu C license plates can enter the outer ring road. Let me tell you, Hu C plates are specifically designated for suburban use. The Shanghai traffic management authorities have clear regulations that areas within the outer ring are off-limits. If you insist on driving in, the cameras will catch you red-handed - not only will you get fined 200 yuan, but you'll also get penalty points. I've personally seen a neighbor from Jiading driving into the city with Hu C plates to go shopping, only to get fined twice, which really upset them. The policy purpose is simple: to reduce downtown congestion and pollution. So my advice to Hu C plate owners is: don't drive into the city - taking the metro or riding a shared bike is much easier. Oh, and by the way, some areas in Pudong New District now have restrictions too, so everyone needs to be careful.
