What are the driving restrictions for out-of-town license motorcycles in Shanghai?
4 Answers
Out-of-town license motorcycles can only operate in the suburban areas of Shanghai. The following areas prohibit motorcycles with non-Shanghai license plates from traveling on their roads: 1. The first restricted area: The region enclosed by Hutai Highway—Baoqian Highway—Huyi Highway—Waiqingsong Highway—Huqingping Highway—Zhufeng Highway—Tingfeng Highway—S19 Xinwei Expressway—Xinwei Highway—Weiliu Road—Huhang Highway and the city's border lines with Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces (excluding the aforementioned roads). 2. The second restricted area: The region enclosed by Waiqingsong Highway—Huqingping Highway—Fuxing Road—Dianshanhu Avenue—Gangzhou Road—Yingzhu Road—Qingzhao Highway—Beiqing Highway (excluding the aforementioned roads).
I've been riding motorcycles in Shanghai for over five years and often hear out-of-town friends ask this question. There are indeed many restrictions for non-local license motorcycles here. Main urban areas, such as those within the inner ring road, are basically off-limits, including core districts like Huangpu and Xuhui. Especially during weekday rush hours, traffic police enforce strict checks, and if you accidentally enter these areas, you'll be fined. However, riding in suburban areas and some urban-rural fringes like Jiading and Songjiang is still manageable, but it depends on the time of day—it's best to avoid rush hours in the morning and evening. I remember last time, a fellow rider wasn't paying attention and came from Kunshan, only to be fined 200 yuan on the spot. Overall, for safety and compliance with the rules, it's best to check the Shanghai Traffic Management Bureau's official website or app in advance, plan your route to avoid restricted areas, so you can enjoy your ride comfortably.
When it comes to the riding restrictions for out-of-town license motorcycles in Shanghai, I know many non-local riders are quite confused. Generally, motorcycles with non-Shanghai plates are prohibited from riding in areas like the inner ring and middle ring roads in the city center, except for certain parts of Pudong New Area and suburban areas like Jiading. To be more specific, these motorcycles are banned from the restricted zones between 7 AM and 10 PM on weekdays, though the rules might be more relaxed during holidays. If you must enter the city, it's recommended to use public transportation or take a taxi to avoid fines of up to 500 RMB. Having driven in the city for ten years, I've seen numerous cases of out-of-town motorcycles violating the rules, mostly due to incorrect navigation settings leading them into restricted zones. It's advisable to check the traffic restrictions on Amap before riding or simply take the subway into the city center for a hassle-free and worry-free experience.
Let me briefly talk about this topic. In order to manage traffic congestion and safety, Shanghai has strict restrictions on non-local motorcycles. Motorcycles with out-of-town license plates are prohibited from driving within the inner ring and core urban areas, such as Jing'an and Hongkou districts, where entry is not allowed. Suburban areas like Qingpu and Fengxian allow free riding, but entering the city center is illegal. I remember last year, a rider from another province was caught and only then learned about this policy. The reasons are simple: to reduce accidents and protect the environment. Therefore, when riding to Shanghai, be sure to avoid restricted areas or ride in remote areas—safety first.
