What to Do with an Out-of-Town Vehicle for Long-Term Work in Beijing?
3 Answers
For long-term work in Beijing with an out-of-town vehicle, you should apply for a Beijing Entry Permit. Below is relevant information for driving an out-of-town vehicle in Beijing: 1. Area Restrictions: Passenger vehicles with license plates (including temporary plates) issued by other provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities must apply for a Beijing Entry Permit to enter roads within the Sixth Ring Road (excluding the ring road itself) and all roads in the Tongzhou District (excluding main highways). 2. Frequency Limit: Each vehicle can apply for a Beijing Entry Permit up to 12 times per year, with each permit valid for a maximum of 7 days. 3. Parking Restrictions: Before the permit expires, the vehicle must leave the aforementioned areas. If a vehicle without a valid Beijing Entry Permit is parked on urban roads above the branch road level within these areas, the number of days parked will be deducted from the annual quota for Beijing Entry Permits. 4. Driving Restrictions: Driving within the aforementioned areas without a valid Beijing Entry Permit is considered a violation of 'driving against prohibition signs' and will be penalized by the traffic management department of the public security authority according to the law.
As a non-local car owner who has been driving in Beijing for over a decade, I deeply understand the troubles of having an out-of-town license plate. The main issue is not being able to enter within the Fifth Ring Road during weekday rush hours in the morning and evening, otherwise facing fines and penalty points. After being fined several times myself, I learned my lesson. The most practical solution is to participate in the Beijing license plate lottery, which happens several times a year. Although the odds are low, persistence brings hope. If you can't wait, you might consider buying a new energy vehicle first, as Beijing has policy support for pure electric vehicles, making it easier to get a license plate. For daily commuting, I recommend giving up driving—Beijing's subway system is so well-developed that it saves worry, money, and is environmentally friendly. It might be crowded during peak hours, but it's better than being stuck in traffic. I've also tried renting a car with a Beijing license plate, but you need to pay attention to compliance to avoid being scammed. In short, early planning is key—if you're in Beijing long-term, you need to adapt to these rules, or life will be full of obstacles. Parking is also a big issue; roadside parking fees are expensive, so it's better to find a long-term rental spot to save costs.
For family car owners like me with children, driving an out-of-town vehicle in Beijing is indeed inconvenient. On weekends, when we want to take the kids to the park or go shopping, the traffic restriction policies always force us to take detours, wasting time. Our usual alternative is using DiDi or Gaode ride-hailing services—these apps are convenient and safe, making them a more worry-free option than driving. Another solution is sharing a local-plate car with neighbors, splitting the costs and helping each other out. Beijing's public transportation system is child-friendly, with dedicated seats and discount cards, so we often rely on it when going out. In the long run, obtaining a Beijing license plate is our goal, as we'll need to pick up and drop off our child for school—it's a must-solve issue. I also recommend keeping an eye on the government's new energy vehicle subsidies; buying an electric car might give priority for plate registration. Living in Beijing requires backup plans—don't let transportation issues drag down family fun. On bad weather days, I book rides in advance to avoid last-minute chaos. Family car needs are significant, but with proper planning, out-of-town plate problems can still be managed.
