Can I drive within the Fifth Ring Road after 8 pm without a Beijing Entry Permit?

[DeLane]

You can drive within the Fifth Ring Road after 8 pm without a Beijing Entry Permit. Here are the details: Traffic Restrictions: In 2019, Beijing's traffic restrictions were as follows: Local vehicles were restricted from 7:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Friday (except legal holidays). Non-local vehicles were prohibited from entering within the Fifth Ring Road during two time periods: 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-20:00 for passenger cars, and from 9:00 to 17:00, they were restricted based on the last digit of their license plate. If caught, penalties include: Local vehicles face fines without point deductions. Non-local vehicles face fines and a deduction of 3 points. You won't be penalized again within 3 hours of being fined, so you can immediately leave the restricted area or find a parking spot. However, if you're caught violating the restrictions again after 3 hours, you may be penalized multiple times. Legal Provisions: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" and the "Beijing Municipal Air Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations," except for the motor vehicles specified in the first provision, other motor vehicles in the city are subject to traffic restriction measures based on the last digit of their license plate during weekday peak hours. The restriction time is from 7:00 to 20:00, and the restricted area is within the Fifth Ring Road (excluding the Fifth Ring Road itself).

[VanJoseph]

I've driven to Beijing several times before, so I'm quite familiar with the rules regarding the Beijing Entry Permit. According to Beijing's traffic regulations, if you don't have the permit, you absolutely cannot enter within the Fifth Ring Road—no matter if it's day, night, or after 8 PM. Since the Fifth Ring is inside the Sixth Ring Road, non-Beijing licensed vehicles must obtain a permit to enter within the Sixth Ring Road; otherwise, it's a violation. The authorities have never stated there's any time exemption, such as being allowed to drive freely after 8 PM—that's a misconception. Electronic surveillance and traffic police can check at any time. I recommend applying for an electronic Beijing Entry Permit in advance via the 'Beijing Traffic Police' app—the steps are simple: just upload your license plate information and entry time. Don't take chances; if caught, the fine starts at 100 RMB, and points may also be deducted. From a safety perspective, Beijing has heavy traffic and crowded roads. The purpose of the permit is to control pollution and congestion. Following the rules makes things easier for everyone and reduces accidents. If you're entering Beijing temporarily, it's best to plan your time to get the permit or park outside the Fifth Ring and take public transport. In short, don’t risk driving an unpermitted vehicle within the Fifth Ring—it’s not worth the trouble.