What are the requirements for out-of-town vehicles entering Beijing?
3 Answers
Out-of-town vehicles entering Beijing must comply with the following requirements: 1. On weekdays from 7:00 to 9:00 and 17:00 to 20:00: Passenger vehicles are prohibited from driving within the Fifth Ring Road (inclusive). 2. On weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00: Traffic management measures for peak-hour restrictions based on the last digit of license plates are implemented, with the restricted area being within the Fifth Ring Road (inclusive). The rotation of restricted license plate digits follows the Beijing motor vehicle license plate digit rotation system. Additional relevant information is as follows: The Beijing motor vehicle license plate digit rotation system is as follows: From April 5 to July 4, 2021, the restricted last digits of Beijing motor vehicle license plates will rotate. The specific rules are that from Monday to Friday, the restricted last digits of motor vehicle license plates are: 2 and 7, 3 and 8, 4 and 9, 5 and 0, 1 and 6.
Out-of-town vehicles going to Beijing need to be extra careful as the requirements are quite strict. Every time I enter Beijing with an out-of-town license plate, I have to apply for a Beijing Entry Permit first, which is very convenient to do on the Beijing Traffic Police App. The permit is only valid for 7 days, with a maximum of 12 times per year. Driving must avoid peak hours; during weekday morning and evening rush hours, you can't drive within the city center, and the odd-even license plate restrictions often change. The emission standard must be at least China VI, so I have to check my older car in advance, or I might get stopped and fined directly. Beijing has severe smog, and these regulations are meant to control pollution. Everyone driving should use navigation to avoid restricted areas, especially within the 5th Ring Road, where it's particularly strict. For frequent travelers like me, I always plan my trips carefully to avoid exceeding the allowed number of entries and time limits—safety first. A single fine can cost hundreds of yuan, which is a huge loss. I recommend preparing necessary documents in advance, such as a copy of your vehicle registration certificate, before your trip.
When traveling to Beijing by car, I found the restrictions on out-of-town vehicles quite impactful on itinerary planning. The Beijing Entry Permit is limited to 12 times per year, which I usually use for weekend trips or short journeys. Each time I apply, I check the Beijing Local Treasure App to confirm the latest policies. The vehicle must meet China VI emission standards, so I had to get my old car tested beforehand to avoid being stopped midway. The restricted areas in the city are extensive, with non-local vehicles banned within the Fifth Ring Road during peak hours. I recommend parking the car at a hotel outside the Fifth Ring and taking the subway into the city—it saves both money and hassle. Scenic spots like the Great Wall or the Forbidden City are prone to traffic jams, so checking the traffic restriction calendar in advance to avoid odd-even license plate days is wise. Out-of-town license plate owners should also remember to carry their vehicle inspection certificates, as traffic police often check them. Safe driving and avoiding speeding will minimize trouble.
