Traffic Rules — Easy to Follow, Once You Know Them

Drive on the Right

In China, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road — just like in most of Europe and North America. If you’ve driven there before, you’ll feel right at home!

No Drinking and Driving

China takes safety seriously. Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to penalties, so it’s best to stay alcohol-free before driving. (Plenty of great local drinks to enjoy after you park!)

Speed Limits

On most expressways, the top speed for small cars is 120 km/h, though limits can vary by region. Just keep an eye on local signs — they’re clearly marked and easy to spot. Your navigation app will also show the speed limit as you drive. Traffic enforcement in China is strict, so please be careful never to speed, even if it seems safe — it can very easily lead to a traffic violation.

Use of the Horn

In big cities like Beijing and Shanghai, honking is limited to reduce noise — but in mountain or rural areas, a quick honk is a friendly safety habit around curves.

Fueling Up with Full Service

Most gas stations are full-service — just pull up and let the attendant handle it. You can pay by cash, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or UnionPay card. A common question you'll hear from the attendant is "加满吗?" (jiā mǎn ma? — "Fill it up?"). You can simply reply "加满" (jiā mǎn — "Fill it up"), or tell them a specific amount, for example "两百块" (liǎng bǎi kuài — 200 RMB).

Highway Tolls

Highways (expressways) in China are usually tolled, with an entrance and an exit gate for each trip. If your car has ETC (Electronic Toll Collection), you can pass through directly and the toll is deducted automatically (paid through car rental company). If your car doesn't have ETC — or you'd rather not use it — simply take the "人工" (manual/staffed) lane. In most cases, you'll receive a card at the entrance, hand it back at the exit, and pay based on the distance traveled. Payment can be made by Alipay or WeChat. On a few highways, a fixed toll is collected directly at the entrance instead.

Coffee Lovers, Take Note ☕

Outside big cities, coffee can be hard to find — even at service areas. If you’re a caffeine fan, bring your favorite coffee or ask Dragon Roads for our “road trip–friendly” coffee kit ideas.

Driving Permit

Foreign visitors need a Temporary Chinese Driving Permit — international permits aren’t valid. It’s a quick and simple process. Check our guide: “Renting and Driving in China: Temporary Driving Permit Requirements” Driving in China is safe, well-organized, and a fantastic way to see the country’s hidden corners. With a bit of preparation and local know-how, you’ll discover the freedom of the open road in China.

Zhihui Shi
Written by Zhihui Shi

Zhihui is a China native who's studied and lived across China, Europe, and Canada. With a background in automotive design and innovation, she's explored China on many road trips, uncovering a side of it the world rarely gets to see — and co-founded Dragon Roads to share it.