If you plan to drive in China as a foreign visitor, you should understand the basic rules before getting on the road. This page covers the most important points: who can drive, whether China drives on the right or left, speed limits, expressway rules, common violations, and practical differences many foreign drivers notice in China.
Before you start driving in China, it helps to understand a few basic rules first. This section gives a simple overview of the points that matter most for foreign visitors.
But you need a valid Chinese temporary driving permit or Chinese driver’s license.
China drives on the right, and most vehicles have the steering wheel on the left.
If you reach 12 points, you may no longer be allowed to continue driving.
Speed limits, traffic lights, and lane-direction rules are commonly enforced.
Yes. Foreigners can drive in China legally if they have a valid Chinese temporary driving permit or Chinese driver’s license.
For most short-term visitors, a foreign driver’s license alone is not enough. If you are planning to rent a car and drive in China, make sure your permit is ready before your trip.
If you have not applied yet, read our Temporary Driving Permit Requirements in China guide first.
China drives on the right, and most vehicles have the steering wheel on the left. The rule itself is simple, but foreign drivers from left-driving countries usually need time to adjust their habits.
Always follow the posted speed limit. Do not assume the speed of surrounding cars is safe or legal. In China, speed limits can change quickly near tunnels, ramps, city expressways, schools, construction zones, service areas.
Many roads also use cameras. On some roads, section speed enforcement checks your average speed between two points, not just your speed at one camera.
Expressways in China are usually modern and easy to use, but mistakes can become serious very quickly. Important practical rules:
If you miss an exit, continue to the next one. A longer route is far better than a dangerous mistake. These are some common expressway signs foreign drivers will often see.
Tells you where controlled-access driving begins.
Helps you prepare early for lane changes and route decisions.
Shows cities, junctions, and travel distance ahead.
Useful for fuel, rest stops, food, and restroom planning.
Signals that toll collection and lane selection are coming up.
Important for reduced speed, lane changes, and visibility adjustments.
This section gives a simple overview of the violations foreign drivers care about most. Penalties can vary by city, and enforcement is often stricter in Beijing and Shanghai than in smaller cities.
Typical result
Why it matters
Two serious signal-light mistakes can already put a temporary permit at serious risk.
Typical result
Why it matters
One extreme expressway mistake may end your self-drive trip immediately.
Typical result
Why it matters
If you plan to drive, do not drink at all.
Typical result
Why it matters
Serious speeding on expressways can lead to very heavy penalties.
Typical result
Why it matters
This is an easy mistake to avoid before the car even starts moving.
Typical result
Why it matters
This is a common mistake near intersections, ramps, and exits.
This section covers a few simple safety basics foreign drivers should not ignore: seat belts, child seats, and horn use.
Drivers and passengers should wear seat belts at all times. This is one of the easiest safety rules to follow, and one of the easiest mistakes to avoid before the car even starts moving.
Children under 4 years old must use a child safety seat. If not, the violation may lead to 1 point and a fine of around CNY 200 to CNY 500.
In areas where honking is prohibited, using the horn can lead to a fine of around CNY 100. This is usually a fine-only violation and does not normally involve points.
Many foreign drivers find that the biggest adjustment in China is not only the rules, but the traffic environment itself. These are a few practical differences first-time drivers often notice.
At some intersections, you may turn right on red if there is no special red right-turn signal and no sign prohibiting it. But you still need to watch carefully and yield when necessary.
In many cities, e-bikes, scooters, and pedestrians are everywhere. Be especially careful when turning right or crossing busy intersections.
In real traffic, some drivers change lanes late or without much warning. Leave more space than you might expect to need.
China uses a lot of traffic cameras, especially on expressways and major city roads. Some roads also use section-speed enforcement.
Many drivers rely on local map apps because they often show: speed-camera reminders, traffic congestion, lane guidance, service areas, red-light waiting time in some cities
In China, green plates usually indicate new-energy vehicles, while blue plates are more commonly seen on conventional fuel cars.
Yes, but only with a valid Chinese temporary driving permit or Chinese driver’s license.
Yes. Mainland China drives on the right, and most vehicles have the steering wheel on the left.
Yes. Cameras are common on both city roads and expressways.
Sometimes yes, but not always. Check the signal and any local signs carefully.
The temporary driving permit may no longer remain valid for continued driving.
Drive conservatively, follow signs early, leave extra space, and avoid last-second decisions.
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