Special Traffic Rules and Precautions in China

Understanding local traffic rules is crucial for safety and smooth travel when traveling in China. Below are the key points you need to pay special attention to:

1. Basic Traffic Rules

1. Driving on the Right Side
2. All vehicles in China (including bicycles) follow the drive-on-the-right rule, which is opposite to countries like the UK or Japan that drive on the left side.

3. When crossing the street, pedestrians should note: vehicles approach from the left side, so observe the left lane first before checking the right lane.

4. Management of Electric Bicycles and Motorcycles

5. Electric bicycles are very common in China and belong to non-motorized vehicles, required to ride in the non-motorized lanes (usually shared with bicycles). However, in practice, they may enter motor vehicle lanes or sidewalks, so it's important to avoid them carefully.
6. Motorcycles are banned in some cities (such as central Beijing and Shanghai), so confirm local policies before renting one.

2. Pedestrian Precautions

1. Crossing the Street Rules
2. Right-of-way at crosswalks: By law, vehicles must yield to pedestrians, but enforcement might be weaker in non-tier-one cities. It’s recommended to observe the movement of vehicles before crossing.

3. Obey traffic lights: Crossing during a red light is prohibited, even if other pedestrians do so. Some cities impose fines (typically 20-50 yuan) for jaywalking.

4. Mixed Use of Sidewalks and Bicycle Lanes

5. In some cities, sidewalks and non-motorized lanes are not clearly separated. Pedestrians should watch out for bicycles or electric scooters coming from behind to avoid collisions.

3. Driving and Rental Car Rules

1. Driver’s License Requirements
2. For short-term travel, an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used alongside your original driver’s license. Since China has not joined the United Nations Road Convention, drivers from certain countries (like the US or Canada) may need additional notarization.

3. For long stays, you’ll need to exchange your foreign license for a Chinese one (passing the theory test, subject one).

4. Special Regulations

5. Seat belts: Both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts; violators will be fined.
6. Drunk driving: Blood alcohol content ≥0.02% is illegal, and penalties are severe (license revocation, criminal detention).
7. Child safety seats: Children under 4 years old must use child safety seats; enforcement is strict in some cities (e.g., Shanghai).

4. Public Transportation Rules

1. Subway and Bus
2. Security checks: All subway entrances require luggage X-ray security checks, and liquids are checked separately.
3. Priority seating: Seats reserved for the elderly, weak, sick, disabled, and pregnant individuals (usually marked orange or green); even if unoccupied, it's best to avoid using them.

4. Boarding order: On buses, board through the front door and exit through the back; on subways, follow the “let others off first” rule.

5. High-speed Rail and Trains

6. Check-in time: Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before high-speed train departure, as ticket inspection stops 3 minutes before departure.
7. No smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the train, with fines ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan for violations.

5. Taxis and Ride-hailing Services

1. Taxis
2. Meter usage: Ensure the driver uses the meter to avoid negotiating fares (additional fees may apply at night or in remote areas).

3. Color differentiation: Taxi colors vary by city (e.g., yellow/blue in Beijing, mint green in Shanghai).

4. Ride-hailing (Didi Chuxing)

5. Payment methods: Payment via Alipay/WeChat Pay is required; some drivers accept cash.
6. Safety tips: Verify the license plate number after getting into the car and navigate through the app throughout the trip.

6. Bicycles and Shared Bikes

1. Riding Rules
2. You must ride in the non-motorized lanes and are prohibited from entering motor vehicle lanes (violations result in fines of 20-50 yuan).

3. No carrying passengers (shared bikes are single-rider only).

4. Shared Bike Usage

5. Registration requirements: A Chinese mobile phone number and real-name authentication via Alipay/WeChat are needed.
6. Parking zones: Park within designated electronic fences; otherwise, additional charges will apply.

7. Highways and Long-Distance Travel

1. Speed Limits and Lanes
2. Speed limits for small vehicles: Typically 60-120 km/h, with reduced limits of 80 km/h in mountainous areas or tunnels.

3. Emergency lanes: Only for broken-down vehicles; misuse results in a fine of 200 yuan and deduction of 6 points.

4. Tollgate Payments

5. Cash, ETC (Electronic Toll Collection), Alipay/WeChat payments are all accepted.

8. Special Traffic Signs

1. Common Confusing Signs
2. No honking: Common near hospitals and schools; violators are fined 100-200 yuan.
3. Tidal lanes: Direction changes based on time periods; follow electronic signs.
4. Yellow grid lines: No stopping allowed, even for temporary passenger drop-offs.

9. Safety Tips

1. Insurance recommendation: Purchase travel accident insurance when renting cars or riding bicycles to cover traffic accidents.
2. Emergency numbers: Call 122 for traffic accidents and 120 for medical emergencies.
3. Traffic habit differences: Some drivers may change lanes frequently or honk often, so stay calm and plan routes ahead of time.