What are the traffic restriction times for out-of-town car license plates in Shanghai?
2 Answers
Shanghai's traffic restriction times for out-of-town car license plates are as follows: 1. Elevated road restriction time: Monday to Friday 7:00-20:00 (13 hours) 2. Inner ring ground road restriction time: Monday to Friday 7:00-9:00, 17:00-19:00 (4 hours) 3. No restrictions on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Below is an introduction to traffic restrictions: 1. Concept: Traffic restrictions mean that vehicles meeting the restriction criteria are prohibited from driving on the road during the restriction period, which is a type of traffic control measure. 2. Purpose: To alleviate traffic pressure and reduce air pollution.
I've been driving for transportation for many years. The restricted hours for non-local car plates in Shanghai are from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays, and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, effective within the S20 area inside the inner ring. There are no restrictions on holidays. During these times, traffic is heavy and congestion is common. The restrictions are mainly to alleviate congestion and air pollution. I usually advise non-local car owners to avoid traveling during peak hours or simply take the subway into the city for convenience. Getting caught can result in a fine starting from 200 RMB. Driving on weekends is much more relaxed; you can go anywhere freely, but entering during peak hours is too troublesome. I've tried detouring via the outer ring a few times—it takes longer but is safer. Overall, planning your time well can save a lot of hassle, and following the rules makes for a smoother experience.
