What are the traffic restrictions for out-of-town vehicles in Beijing in 2020?
2 Answers
The traffic restrictions for out-of-town vehicles in Beijing in 2020 are as follows: 1. During weekday morning and evening peak hours (7:00-9:00 and 17:00-20:00), vehicles are prohibited from driving on the main roads, auxiliary roads, and roads within the Fifth Ring Road; 2. From 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, vehicles must comply with the city's tail number restriction policy, with the same restricted tail numbers as Beijing-licensed vehicles, and the restricted area includes the main roads, auxiliary roads, and roads within the Fifth Ring Road; 3. The eastern section of Lingjing Hutong (from Fuyou Street to Xihuangchenggen South Street) prohibits motor vehicles with license plates issued by other provinces, regions, or cities (including temporary license plates). Traffic restrictions refer to the prohibition of vehicle passage and traffic control measures during certain periods, primarily aimed at alleviating traffic congestion.
As an out-of-town car owner, I often encountered traffic restrictions when driving in Beijing in 2020. The rule prohibits vehicles with non-local license plates from entering areas within the Fifth Ring Road during weekday morning and evening rush hours, specifically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To enter the city, you need to apply for a Beijing Entry Permit in advance, which is valid for 7 days each time, with a maximum of 12 applications per year. For example, as a driver from Hebei, I had to use the Beijing Traffic Management APP to apply for the permit online when on business trips. If delayed, I’d face a 100-yuan fine and 3 penalty points, which was really frustrating. There are no restrictions on holidays and weekends, so it’s best to plan trips outside peak hours. The policy aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution—I understand that, but the permit process and restrictions are inconvenient. I’d advise out-of-town drivers to apply for permits at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Outside the Fifth Ring Road, there are no restrictions, so it’s better to park near subway stations and switch to public transport. Beijing has strict rules, so adapting requires careful planning.
