How many penalty-free violations are allowed under Shenzhen's traffic restriction policy?
2 Answers
Shenzhen allows 2 penalty-free violations for non-local license plates. The first two instances of driving during restricted hours captured by cameras will not be penalized, but fines will be imposed starting from the third violation. Vehicles with non-local license plates in Shenzhen can apply for one weekday exemption from traffic restrictions per month, with only one application allowed per month, and the application can only be made for the following day or dates in the next month. Penalty-free refers to the exemption from penalties for driving in restricted zones during restricted hours, but it does not apply to other traffic violations. If a vehicle is parked or temporarily parked in violation of regulations within the restricted area, obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians, penalties will still be imposed according to regulations. Emergency vehicles such as military, police, fire, ambulance, and engineering rescue vehicles are not subject to the traffic restrictions for non-local license plates.
As an out-of-town license plate user commuting in Shenzhen, I have a deep understanding of the traffic restrictions. The rule prohibits entering core areas like parts of Futian and Luohu during weekday morning and evening rush hours. As for penalty exemptions, you get two chances per month. That means if you accidentally violate the restrictions for the first or second time, there's no fine; but starting from the third violation, it's a 500 yuan penalty. This policy is quite considerate, giving non-local drivers some room for mistakes. Last time I forgot to check the time and drove in, the traffic police system automatically recorded it with just a warning that would reset next month. I recommend using the Shenzhen Traffic Police App to check your status rather than relying on luck. If you frequently drive, plan your route before rush hour, such as leaving earlier or switching to public transport, which can save a lot of trouble. In short, following the rules is most important - penalty exemptions are just a buffer, not a long-term solution.
