Is Shanghai Prohibiting Non-Local License Plates from Entering?
2 Answers
Shanghai does not prohibit non-local license plates from entering, but there are restrictions during certain hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on weekdays. Restricted areas include elevated roads: Yan'an Elevated Road (east of S20), Yixian Elevated Road (entire route), North-South Elevated Road (from Huma Road to Luban Interchange), Humin Elevated Road (entire route), Luoshan Elevated Road (entire route), Huaxia Elevated Road (entire route), and Resort Area Elevated Road (from Middle Ring Road to Xiupu Road). Relevant information is as follows: 1. Difference: The only distinction between non-local and local license plates is the regional code at the beginning of the plate. 2. Non-local Annual Inspection: The procedures, required documents, and rules for non-local annual inspections vary by location. Issues such as missing or incorrect documents are common, so it's important to clarify requirements in advance to avoid prolonged delays during the inspection process.
I've driven to Shanghai many times myself. Actually, cars with out-of-town license plates aren't completely banned from entering Shanghai, they're just restricted during rush hours. For example, from Monday to Friday between 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM, vehicles with non-local plates can't drive within the inner ring road area, such as inside the Inner Ring Elevated Road. This is mainly to ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution, as I always find downtown Shanghai extremely crowded with both people and vehicles, leading to terrible traffic jams. If you want to drive in, I suggest avoiding these restricted hours or taking the subway instead - Shanghai's metro system is very convenient. Also, if you're unsure, you can download the Gaode Map app to check real-time regulations, so you don't accidentally enter restricted zones and get fined - that would be quite troublesome.
