What are the penalties for riding an out-of-town motorcycle in Shanghai?
3 Answers
Out-of-town motorcycles violating the traffic restriction regulations will be penalized for breaking the ban: 3 demerit points and a fine of 200 yuan. The following are the areas in Shanghai where motorcycles with out-of-town license plates are prohibited from riding on the roads: 1. The first area: the area 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 boundary lines between Shanghai and Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces (excluding the above-mentioned roads). 2. The second area: the area enclosed by Waiqingsong Highway—Huqingping Highway—Fuxing Road—Dianshanhu Avenue—Gangzhou Road—Yingzhu Road—Qingzhao Highway—Beiqing Highway (excluding the above-mentioned roads).
Last month, I rode my out-of-town licensed motorcycle into Shanghai and was stopped by traffic police right after getting off the highway. I was fined 200 yuan and had 3 points deducted from my license—it was really frustrating. The officer said that because my motorcycle had an out-of-town license plate, it wasn’t allowed in the city center during peak hours, especially inside the ring roads. If I hadn’t brought my ID, the vehicle might even have been towed. Later, I checked and found out that Shanghai has strict traffic restrictions—out-of-town licensed vehicles, including motorcycles, need a special pass to enter, or else it’s a violation. The main reasons are the city’s heavy traffic congestion and stricter emission controls. Now I know: before entering Shanghai, it’s best to apply for a temporary pass or park the vehicle in the suburbs and switch to the subway or bus—it’s both convenient and cost-effective. This lesson taught me to prepare in advance for future trips to avoid unnecessary fines.
As professionals who deal with traffic violations year-round, we often encounter out-of-town motorcycles running checkpoints, especially during morning rush hours. The penalty is straightforward: an on-the-spot fine starting at 200 yuan and 3 points deducted from the driver's license. For repeat offenders, the fine can increase to 500 yuan, and the vehicle may even be impounded and towed. We enforce according to Shanghai's traffic regulations, which restrict out-of-town vehicles from entering core areas during certain hours, including the Inner Ring and Middle Ring roads. The reasons go beyond just traffic congestion—environmental protection is also a key factor. We remind fellow riders to check the traffic restriction maps or apps before entering Shanghai and apply for an electronic pass. Repeated violations can affect your credit record, leading to bigger troubles. Safety first—if riding an out-of-town plate, try to avoid peak hours or opt for compliant electric scooters as an alternative.
