How far can you enter Beijing without a Beijing Entry Permit?
2 Answers
Without a Beijing Entry Permit, you can enter areas outside the Sixth Ring Road, but you cannot drive into core built-up areas such as Huairou and Changping. The Beijing Entry Permit is a temporary pass for non-Beijing licensed vehicles to enter within the Sixth Ring Road (excluding) and certain sections outside the Sixth Ring Road. It is valid for 7 days. According to the policy, when applying for a Beijing Entry Permit, you need to provide a driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, ID card, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and a valid vehicle inspection label. However, in practice, only the driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, and ID card are required. The driver's license and ID card must belong to the same person (who does not have to be the vehicle owner), and the ID card holder must apply in person.
Recently, I drove an out-of-town car into Beijing for business and found that without a Beijing entry permit, I could only drive around outside the Sixth Ring Road. There was no way to enter inside the Sixth Ring Road, otherwise, the cameras would catch me, and a fine would be unavoidable. Last time, I learned this the hard way—I parked near the Third Ring Road and was immediately stopped and fined, which also wasted a lot of my time. Actually, this policy makes sense. Beijing has too many cars, and restricting out-of-town vehicles helps ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution. Fortunately, getting the permit isn’t difficult—just apply on your phone, and it’s done in minutes. Just remember to do it in advance to avoid trouble on the road. If you’re in a real hurry to enter the city, it’s best to park outside the Sixth Ring Road and take the subway or bus into the city—it’s safer and more convenient. I recommend checking traffic regulation updates regularly—don’t skip it to avoid penalties affecting your driving record.
