Can motorcycles go on highways in Hainan?
3 Answers
No, different regions have different regulations. According to China's Road Traffic Safety Law, non-motorized tractors, wheeled special-purpose motor vehicles, or other vehicles with a maximum speed lower than 70 kilometers per hour are not allowed on highways. Motorcycles generally exceed 70 kilometers per hour, so they are allowed on highways. However, it is important to note that specific policies still need to follow local traffic rules, as traffic conditions vary across different provinces and cities in China, requiring case-by-case analysis. Provinces that explicitly prohibit motorcycles on highways include: Zhejiang, Guangxi, Shandong, Jiangsu, Henan, Yunnan, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Hainan, and others. Below are relevant details: Wear a helmet: Always wear a helmet when riding on highways; Do not speed: The speed of a motorcycle must not exceed 80 kilometers per hour, and it must keep to the right; Motorcycle license: A valid motorcycle license is required to ride on highways.
I've been riding motorcycles in Hainan for many years, and local friends told me that motorcycles are banned on expressways, which is a nationwide regulation in China. Hainan's expressway network covers the entire island, but only allows four-wheeled vehicles like cars. Riding a motorcycle on the expressway can result in fines and penalty points. This is mainly for safety reasons, as the high speed and the small size and poor stability of motorcycles make them prone to accidents. Last year in Sanya, I witnessed a motorcycle being stopped by traffic police when attempting to enter the expressway, resulting in both a fine and a warning. For a round-the-island trip in Hainan, national or provincial highways are great alternatives, offering stunning scenery and authentic local experiences. However, during the rainy season, ordinary roads can become muddy, so it's essential to check the weather before riding. In short, safety comes first—never take unnecessary risks.
From a safety perspective, motorcycles are absolutely not allowed on Hainan's highways, which is consistent with national traffic regulations. I often observe during my daily commute that highway traffic is heavy, and the risks are too high if motorcycles were to intrude. With a design speed of 120 km/h, motorcycles would struggle to keep up and are prone to rollovers or rear-end collisions. As a major tourist province, Hainan may have scenic routes suitable for motorcycles, but highways are patrolled, and violators face penalties like points deduction and fines. I recall an incident last year during a typhoon when a rider forced his way onto the highway and nearly caused an accident. For daily travel, it's safer and more enjoyable to plan routes that avoid highways, opting instead for intercity roads or coastal paths. Don't forget to wear protective gear and stay alert.
