What are the regulations for non-local vehicles entering Beijing in 2020?
2 Answers
2020 regulations for non-local vehicles entering Beijing are: 1. Starting from November 1, 2019, passenger vehicles with license plates (including temporary plates) issued by other provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities that enter roads within the Sixth Ring Road and the entire area of Tongzhou District (excluding main highways) must obtain an entry permit; 2. Each vehicle can apply for a maximum of 12 entry permits per year, with each permit valid for up to 7 days. Before the permit expires, the vehicle must leave the aforementioned areas; 3. If a vehicle does not have an entry permit or the permit has expired and is parked on urban roads of branch level or above within the specified areas, the number of days parked will be deducted from the annual quota of entry permits; 4. If a vehicle enters the specified areas without an entry permit or with an expired permit, it will be considered a violation of traffic prohibition signs and will be penalized by the traffic management department of the public security authority according to the law.
I've driven to Beijing quite a few times. In 2020, the regulations for non-local vehicles entering Beijing mainly targeted areas within the Sixth Ring Road, requiring an entry permit to drive inside. Otherwise, you could easily get caught by cameras and fined. The Beijing entry permit is only valid for seven days, and you can apply for it a maximum of 12 times per year. Once you've used up your quota, you'll have to wait until next year. The application process is simple and can be done conveniently on your phone using the Beijing Traffic Police app. It's important to note that during weekday rush hours—7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM—non-local vehicles are prohibited from driving within the Sixth Ring Road. This regulation was mainly introduced to reduce traffic congestion and control pollution, pushed by the Environmental Protection Bureau. I recommend applying for the permit two or three days before entering Beijing, not leaving it until the same day. Once, I forgot about the rush hour ban and drove in directly, resulting in a 200-yuan fine—a lesson learned. Now, I always plan my trips in advance and simply park outside during rush hours, taking the subway instead. Shared bikes are quite useful in the city. Overall, the rules aren't too complicated, but you need to remember the time restrictions clearly to avoid disrupting your travel plans.
