What to Do with an Out-of-Town Vehicle for Long-Term Work in Beijing?
2 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.