12 Points in a Single Stop: China's 2026 Speeding Fines
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5 min readChina drives on the right side of the road. The minimum driving age is 18. The motorway speed limit is 120 km/h. The general emergency number is 110. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02% BAC. Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their valid national licence.
Traffic in China flows on the right. Mobile phone fines are strictly enforced, even at traffic lights. See the full rules with our interactive tools below.
China requires warning triangle, fire extinguisher in the vehicle at all times, and roadside checks do happen; the penalty for a missing item is set locally and we do not publish a figure we cannot verify. Rental companies rarely include the full kit; ask before leaving the lot.
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Chinese traffic police work with a points ledger as much as with cash: 30 km/h over the limit carries a fine of up to CNY 2,000, twelve points and a licence suspension in a single stop. Motorways are capped at 120 km/h, rural roads at 70 and towns at 50, while the blood alcohol limit of 0.02% leaves no room for one drink with dinner. Every car must carry a fire extinguisher, a warning triangle and a reflective vest, and 110 is the number to call for police.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.02% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.
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China drives on the right. If you are arriving from Japan (which drives on the left), be especially careful during your first hours on the road.
Emergency Numbers in China
General Emergency: 110 | Police: 110 | Ambulance: 120 | Fire: 119
Save these numbers before you start driving. In China, emergency calls are free from any phone.
Speed Limits in China
The default speed limits for passenger cars in China are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 40 km/h urban, 60 km/h rural, and 100 km/h on motorways.
For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Japan (100 km/h), South Korea (110 km/h).
Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.
Speeding Fines and Penalties
Other common fines:
- Mobile phone use while driving: CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 3 points
- Running a red light: CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 6 points
- Seatbelt violation: CNY 50-200 (approx. EUR 6-25) + 2 points
Traffic Rules and Regulations
Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.
Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 3 points. Use hands-free devices only.
Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.
Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.
Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits
The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.
Tyre Requirements and Regulations
Check local requirements for tyre regulations in China. At minimum, tyres must be in good condition and suitable for the road surface.
The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 3.0 mm for adequate grip.
Studded tyres: restricted.
For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in China guide.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment
Vehicles in China must carry the following:
Required:
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest (high-visibility)
- Fire extinguisher
Recommended:
- First aid kit
Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.
Driving License Requirements
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers in China. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.
The minimum driving age is 18 years.
IDPs NOT accepted. Foreign visitors must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence.
Parking and Fuel
Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.
Current fuel prices in China: petrol approximately $1.05/litre, diesel $0.95/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.
Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.
Seasonal Driving Conditions
China has seasonal climate with monsoons. Check weather forecasts before long journeys and adjust your driving to conditions. Road surfaces and visibility can change quickly with weather.
Useful Driving Phrases in Chinese
Knowing a few phrases in Chinese helps at fuel stations, toll booths, and during police checks:
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 最近的加油站在哪里？ |
| I need help | 我需要帮助 |
| I had an accident | 我发生了事故 |
| Speed limit | 限速 |
Download the Chinese language pack in your translation app for offline use.
Practical Driving Tips for China
- Download offline maps of China before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
- Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
- Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.
Speed Limits in China
| Road Type | Cars | Trucks (>3.5t) |
|---|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Rural | 70 km/h | 60 km/h |
| Motorway | 120 km/h | 100 km/h |
Traffic Fines in China
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone use while driving | CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 3 points |
| No seatbelt | CNY 50-200 (approx. EUR 6-25) + 2 points |
| Running a red light | CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 6 points |
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 3 points |
| Speeding (11-20 km/h over) | CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 6 points |
| Speeding (21-30+ km/h over) | CNY 200-2,000 (approx. EUR 25-250) + 12 points + licence suspension |
Penalties may vary by region and circumstances. Always check current local regulations.
Useful Driving Phrases in Chinese
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| Where is the nearest petrol station? | 最近的加油站在哪里？ |
| I need help | 我需要帮助 |
| I had an accident | 我发生了事故 |
| Speed limit | 限速 |
Mandatory Equipment in China
Licence Requirements for Foreign Drivers
IDPs NOT accepted. Foreign visitors must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence.
Emergency Numbers in China
These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Tyre Laws in China
Winter tyre requirements, tread depth rules, and studded tyre regulations.
View tyre regulationsAvoid a fine in China
Who pays a driving fine abroad, the hire-car admin-fee trap, and how to appeal.
Read the fine guideDriving in China on a foreign licence
Nationality-specific licence, IDP & rules — pick where your licence is from:
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Recent changes to this page
- Title, description and introduction rewritten from this page's own data (no shared template wording).
- Replaced the speeding-fine calculator link: that tool covers 17 countries and China is not one of them, so the link could not answer the question it promised. It now points to the speed-limit map, which does cover China.
- Removed an equipment penalty that was actually the speeding fine copied from another field; countries.json has no equipment-fine value, so no figure is published.
Frequently Asked Questions
In China, the default speed limits for passenger vehicles are: urban areas 50 km/h (31 mph), rural roads 70 km/h (43 mph), and motorways 120 km/h (75 mph). Always follow posted signs as limits may differ on specific roads.
In China, traffic drives on the right side of the road. Vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side. If you are visiting from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at intersections, roundabouts, and when overtaking.
Foreign visitors to China should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their valid national driving license. An IDP translates your license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Check with the embassy of China for the most current requirements.
The general emergency number in China is 110. These numbers are free to call and available 24/7. When calling, be prepared to state your location and the nature of the emergency.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is prohibited in China. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth, speakerphone, or mounted devices) are permitted. Penalties for mobile phone use while driving typically include fines. For safety, always use hands-free solutions or pull over to use your phone.
When driving in China, you should always carry: your valid driving license (and IDP if applicable), vehicle registration document, valid insurance certificate (Green Card for European countries), and your passport or national ID. Rental car drivers should also carry the rental agreement. Police may request these documents during routine checks.
The minimum age to drive a car in China is 18 years old. Some categories of vehicles (such as motorcycles or heavy vehicles) may have different age requirements. Novice drivers may face additional restrictions during their first years of driving.
Driving in China is generally safe for tourists who are prepared. Road infrastructure follows Asian standards. Before driving, familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, road signs, and driving customs. Consider downloading offline maps, carrying emergency supplies, and purchasing comprehensive insurance. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas if possible.
Key fines in China that catch tourists: mobile phone use while driving (CNY 200 (approx. EUR 25) + 3 points), not wearing a seatbelt (CNY 50-200 (approx. EUR 6-25) + 2 points). Police in some countries can demand immediate payment from foreign drivers. Always carry local currency or a credit card for potential fines.
For China: Always carry your original licence alongside the IDP.
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