A Regulations on car-driving
China has not joined the United Nation Convention on Road Traffic until now. Foreigners who drive vehicles within China shall hold valid driving licenses (including temporary driving permits) issued by Chinese Government. Otherwise, their behaviors will be regards as driving without a license and be punished in accordance with Chinese current rules and regulations.
Motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles run on the right-hand side of the road. According to laws, Chinese driving licenses shall be obtained before driving motor vehicles. Driving motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles shall strictly abide by traffic signs, markers, traffic police directions, rules, and regulations on road safety. Any driver caught in a traffic accident shall immediately pull over his/her vehicle, protect the on-site scene, rescue the injured, and promptly report the said accident to the traffic police.
B Rules on motor vehicles of temporary entry into China
Upon approval of the state competent authorities, foreign motor vehicles temporarily entering the territory to participate in organized travels, races and other exchange activities shall apply to the traffic administrative department of public security agency of province or municipality where the place of entry or starting place is located, for the plate and driving permit of the motor vehicle of temporary entry.
The applicant shall, within 2 days of foreign motor vehicles entering into China, fill out the Application Form for the Plate and Driving Permit of the Motor Vehicle of Temporary Entry in Chinese, and make an application for plate and driving permit at the traffic administrative department of public security agency of province or municipality where the place of entry or starting place is located, with the following documents: the certificate of inspection for motor vehicle safety and technology(a Chinese translation needed, if the original copy is written in a language other than Chinese), the motor vehicle registration certificate ratified and issued by overseas competent authorities (a Chinese translation needed, if the original copy is written in a language other than Chinese), the voucher issued by Chinese customs and other departments on permitting the motor vehicle to enter the territory, the certificate issued by the competent authorities of China in case of organized travels, races and other exchange activities, the third page of voucher of compulsory liability insurance for traffic accidents of motor vehicles in China with a validity of no less than the temporary entry period, identity certificate for entry and exit, an entrusted certificate offered by relevant Chinese host department and the identity certificate of the agent.
C Application of temporary driving permit
People holding overseas driving licenses may temporarily drive his own vehicle or rented vehicle within Chinese territory, after participating some training on rules and regulations concerning road security and obtaining a temporary driving permit. A road test is not required.
If driving his own vehicle of temporary entry, the temporary arrived people holding overseas driving license shall, within 2 days of entry, apply to the traffic administrative department of the public security organ of the municipality directly under the Central Government or districted municipality where the place of entry or starting place is located for a temporary driving permit. If driving a rented Chinese vehicle, the applicant shall, within 2 days of entry, make an application to the traffic administrative department of the public security organ of the municipality directly under the Central Government or districted municipality where the place of car-renting agency. Training on rules and regulations concerning road security is required for the application of a temporary driving permit. But Road test is not required.
D Foreigners may hire motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles in China, but driving vehicles within China shall hold valid driving licenses (including temporary driving permits) issued by Chinese Government. The people holding the temporary driving permit is only allowed to drive a sedan, manual, or automatic transmission.
