Can licensed motorcycles ride into Shenzhen?
2 Answers
Motorcycles are not allowed to ride in Shenzhen, as the city still enforces a policy of prohibiting motorcycles and restricting electric vehicles. Below is the relevant information: Prohibition of Motorcycles and Restriction of Electric Vehicles: Starting from March 21, 2016, Shenzhen launched what is considered the strictest "prohibition of motorcycles and restriction of electric vehicles" campaign, targeting illegal passenger pick-up activities in areas such as subway entrances, bus stops, ports, and commercial districts. According to the city's traffic police bureau, within the first 10 days of the campaign, 17,975 electric vehicles were confiscated, and 874 people were detained. Administrative Detention: Unlike previous short-term and small-scale restrictions, this campaign lasted for 100 days (from March to the end of June) and covered the entire city, with key areas being subway entrances, bus stops, ports, and commercial districts. Moreover, those caught soliciting passengers in key areas would face administrative detention. Starting from April 1, the use of non-compliant electric (motorized) tricycles would also result in administrative detention.
I've lived in Shenzhen for almost ten years and often see traffic police checking motorcycles at intersections. Let me tell you, most areas in the city center simply don't allow motorcycles to enter, even if you have a license. This rule has been in place since 2014. For example, core districts like Luohu and Futian prohibit motorcycles 24/7, and out-of-town license plates face even stricter restrictions—basically, they can't enter the inner-city areas. A friend of mine rode an out-of-town motorcycle here for a visit, got stopped by the police, and was fined several hundred yuan plus penalty points. With Shenzhen's traffic being so congested now, the government implemented this policy for safety and environmental reasons. I'd recommend switching to buses or the metro—much less hassle, and the metro network is highly developed.
