Is it allowed to drive right-hand drive vehicles in China?
2 Answers
Normally it is not allowed, but there are exceptions. Since China is a right-hand traffic country where overtaking is done from the left, motor vehicles are required to have left-hand steering wheels. This is because overtaking from the left only requires moving one-third of the vehicle's width to observe the road ahead, whereas overtaking from the right would require moving the entire vehicle width before the driver can see the road conditions ahead. The following are introductions to special circumstances: Introduction 1: Vehicles legally registered by foreign diplomatic missions in China. Introduction 2: Vehicles with license plates from Hong Kong and Macau regions can apply to the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Authority for mainland license plates, allowing them to enter the mainland. Introduction 3: In China, regardless of whether the vehicle is left-hand or right-hand drive, the same traffic regulations must be followed without exception.
Speaking of driving right-hand drive cars in China, I have to say it's basically impossible. I've been driving for over 20 years and have seen many situations, like some friends bringing cars back from abroad wanting to have some fun, only to find they can't even get them licensed. China's regulations require traffic to keep to the right, and vehicles must be designed with left-hand drive for proper visibility and driving safety. With a right-hand drive car, the steering wheel position blocks your view, making it hard to see oncoming traffic when turning, which can easily lead to accidents. If caught by the police, you'll face fines and possibly have your car impounded. Occasionally, you might see such cars in certain bonded zones or exhibitions, but don't even think about driving them on public roads. In the end, for everyone's safety, sticking to standard left-hand drive cars is the most reliable option.
