Can motorcycles go on the highway?
3 Answers
Yes. Precautions for motorcycles on the highway: The driver must wear a helmet; The displacement of the motorcycle must be greater than or equal to 125; The motorcycle cannot carry passengers, only one person can drive; The speed on the highway must be greater than 60 or less than 80; The motorcycle must ride on the right side of the highway. The following are the relevant contents of highway driving: Highway precautions: Keep abreast of road conditions; Do not drive while fatigued; Do not exceed the speed limit. Article 42 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: Motor vehicles driving on the road shall not exceed the maximum speed indicated by the speed limit signs. On road sections without speed limit signs, a safe speed shall be maintained.
From a legal and policy perspective, I found that there are indeed restrictions on motorcycles using highways in China. Each province has its own regulations. For example, Guangdong and Shandong allow motorcycles with an engine displacement above 150cc to use highways, but they cannot carry passengers and must keep to the right lane. In contrast, Beijing and Shanghai almost completely prohibit motorcycles on highways. These rules are primarily for safety reasons, as highways have high speeds and motorcycles are smaller and pose higher risks. Personally, I believe these regulations are necessary to reduce accidents. Having ridden motorcycles for many years, I’ve only tried it in permitted areas. It feels quite convenient but requires strict adherence to speed limits, otherwise, the fines are heavy. Before traveling, it’s best to check local regulations to avoid being stopped and wasting time.
Safety is my top priority. Motorcycles are prone to serious accidents on highways due to the lack of outer protection, often resulting in severe consequences. I've heard too many cases with heavy casualties, especially when the roads are slippery in rainy weather, doubling the risks. I strongly advise beginners not to take the risk. Even if conditions allow for highway riding, always wear a helmet and protective gear, stick to the slow lane, and keep the speed under 80km/h. In comparison, national roads are safer and more comfortable, though the journey might take a bit longer, it's steadier. Vehicle maintenance is also crucial—regularly check tires and brakes to avoid sudden issues.
