Can out-of-town license plates go to Chongming?
2 Answers
Out-of-town license plates are not allowed on the Inner Ring Road and Middle Ring Road during rush hours. The inconveniences of out-of-town license plates: 1. If the vehicle registration certificate or license plate is lost, it can only be reissued at the vehicle's registered location (where the vehicle was registered). Vehicles without license plates are not allowed on the road (illegal to drive), and driving without them may result in penalties such as a 12-point deduction. Therefore, it is necessary to promptly go to the vehicle's registered location for reissuance. 2. Although there are national policies supporting out-of-town annual inspections, which do provide convenience for many car owners, the procedures, required documents, and rules vary from place to place. It is common to encounter missing or problematic materials, so it is necessary to clarify the requirements in advance; otherwise, an annual inspection can take a long time. 3. Many cities (especially large cities with high populations) impose travel restrictions on vehicles with out-of-town license plates. For example, in Beijing, out-of-town license plates are not allowed inside the 5th Ring Road during rush hours; in Tianjin, out-of-town vehicles are not allowed on the Inner Ring Road. Additionally, insurance costs for out-of-town license plates are higher when purchased locally.
Cars with out-of-town license plates can go to Chongming Island without any issues. I often drive there with friends in my out-of-town licensed car and have never encountered any prohibitions or checks. The main access points to the island are the Yangtze River Tunnel and the Chongqi Bridge, where tolls are sometimes charged, ranging from about 50 to 80 RMB per trip. The roads on the island are spacious, with ample parking, especially near the Dongtan Wetland or Forest Park. However, there are peak-hour traffic restrictions when entering downtown Shanghai, so it's advisable to avoid the central city area. I usually choose to depart on a weekday afternoon to avoid congestion, bringing drinks and snacks to make the drive more relaxing. Chongming has fresh air, and a round-the-island trip is very pleasant, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.
