Can motorcycles go on highways in Shanghai?
3 Answers
According to the law, motorcycles are allowed on highways, but in reality, it is very difficult for motorcycles to access highways. Here are the relevant details: Regulations: The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, tractors, wheeled special-purpose motor vehicles, articulated buses, full trailer trucks, and other motor vehicles with a maximum design speed of less than 70 kilometers per hour are not allowed to enter highways. From this perspective, motorcycles are not included, as their speed can exceed 70 kilometers per hour. Reasons for not being allowed on highways: Due to the impact of motorcycle bans, some highway toll stations do not permit motorcycles to enter, and policies vary across different provinces and cities. Generally, motorcycle bans are more strictly enforced in some southern cities in China, such as many cities in Fujian, Jiangsu, and Guangdong provinces, where motorcycle restrictions are in place.
I'm from Jiangsu originally and have been delivering packages in Shanghai for five years. Honestly, if you're riding a motorcycle in Shanghai, don't even think about rushing onto the expressway. There are traffic cops stationed daily at the expressway entrance near Pudong Airport. Two years ago, a fellow townsman of mine didn't believe it and got stopped as soon as he rode onto G1503, resulting in 3 points deducted from his license and a 200-yuan fine. Shanghai is particularly strict with regulations—just look at Article 32 of the 'Shanghai Expressway Management Regulations,' which explicitly states 'Motorcycles are prohibited from entering.' If you need to travel between cities, it's better to take National Highway G312. Although it's slower, it's more reliable. Out-of-town riders, take special note: Shanghai's expressway electronic surveillance cameras can capture motorcycle license plates crystal clear.
Last week, I accompanied my buddy to the Jiading Vehicle Management Office to handle a traffic violation, where I witnessed a young guy on a Kawasaki getting fined. Shanghai's ban on motorcycles on highways is strictly enforced—last year alone, over 3,700 violations of motorcycles on highways were recorded citywide. The most frustrating part is that some navigation apps might route you onto highways, so it's advisable to set the 'avoid highways' option. If you stick to surface roads, major routes like Huqingping Highway and Hunan Highway do permit motorcycle traffic. Honestly, instead of risking a reckless dash through checkpoints, it's way more thrilling to let loose on the Anting Automobile Park track.
