Does Shenzhen restrict non-local new energy license plates?
4 Answers
Shenzhen imposes restrictions on the movement of non-local new energy license plates. Here is relevant information about Shenzhen's traffic restrictions: 1. Non-restricted vehicles: Local non-operational new energy vehicles (private cars) and new energy freight vehicles with green license plates. 2. Restricted vehicles: Passenger cars with non-Shenzhen issued motor vehicle license plates, i.e., non-local vehicles. 3. Penalties for violating restrictions: For the first two violations of the restricted area regulations by non-locally issued passenger cars, no penalty will be imposed. Starting from the third violation, fines will be levied. 4. Applying for exemption: Non-local vehicles can apply for a traffic restriction exemption once per month, and the application must be made in advance.
Shenzhen's traffic restriction policy treats out-of-town new energy vehicles and fuel vehicles equally. I just checked for my relative from hometown last week - his green-plate Tesla still has to comply with the restrictions. Specifically: during weekday rush hours (7-9am, 5:30-7:30pm), out-of-town green-plate vehicles are prohibited from most roads in Futian, Luohu, Nanshan and Yantian districts. However, they can drive freely all day on weekends and holidays, except for the Lotus Hill Park tunnel. For rush hour driving, it's recommended to apply for a pass - one monthly exemption is available via Shenzhen Traffic Police's official WeChat account.
As a frequent commuter between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, I've tested this several times: Shenzhen's traffic restrictions only consider the license plate origin, regardless of whether your car runs on fuel or electricity. I once drove a friend's Dongguan green-plate XPeng to Shenzhen Bay during rush hour and still got a ticket. The key restricted areas include main thoroughfares like Shennan Avenue, Beihuan Avenue, and the vicinity of the Civic Center. However, after 8 PM, the entire city is free of restrictions, and even areas like OCT East are accessible during holidays. Getting caught results in a 300 RMB fine with no points deducted, and I've heard the upgraded electronic surveillance now has higher recognition rates.
Shenzhen does impose traffic restrictions on out-of-town green-plate vehicles. My brother's Huizhou new energy car was caught twice in Futian, so he eventually switched to taking the subway for his commute. Avoid driving during weekday morning and evening rush hours, especially around the intersection of Binhe Avenue and Xinzhou Road, where enforcement is strict. However, there's a loophole: unrestricted access all day on Saturdays and Sundays, even on Binbin Avenue. If you urgently need to enter the city, time your trip carefully—for example, departing from Dongguan at 3:30 PM and passing through Meilin Checkpoint before 4:30 PM to avoid the restrictions.
