You do not need a car to survive in Shanghai as taxis are cheap and plentiful and the subway system is new, clean and efficient. If you live a considerable distance from downtown, it is likely you will have a car and driver supplied by your employer.

Driving in Shanghai can also be particularly stressful due to most motorists flouting any kind of traffic regulations, and the traffic is particularly bad during the rush hour periods of 7:30am-10:00am and 5:00pm-7:00pm. However, a determined few are willing to take the expensive and complex route involved in buying and running a private vehicle in order to feel that sense of freedom that driving can bring.  Keep in mind, many different types of travelers share the road, including bicyclist and mopeds, and they don’t necessarily respect a car’s bigger size.

Anyone who wants to drive in China must have a valid Chinese driver’s license. Those without a license will need to take a theory exam, followed by a minimum of 35 hours of practical (i.e. driving) lessons, after which they can sit for the driver’s licensing test. The total cost of this is estimated to be US$500.

Those who have a valid foreign license or international license will need to complete a registration form (notarized by your consulate), undergo a health check and in most cases take the theory test.

Private driving schools are beginning to mushroom in Shanghai, but the 100 or so driving schools operated by the Traffic Patrol Division are still considered the best. Contact them for a list.

Shanghai Traffic Patrol Division
1101 Zhongshan No. 1 Rd (N)
Shanghai
86-21-6516-8168 ext. 5332

Recommended Procedure:

• Submit application form and take theory test for student driver permit
• Take 35 hours practical (if new driver)
• Get registration form filled out and notarized
• Get health check
• Take passport, registration form, health form, valid drivers license / international license (translated in to Chinese) to the Traffic Patrol Division
• Take test – theory (and practical, if new driver) 

Shanghai drives on the right, but even those from countries where this is the norm find Shanghai traffic challenging. Drivers tend to gently waft in and out of lane with no warning, and pedestrians and bicyclists weave between the cars. However, traffic is fairly slow, and the majority of accidents are minor fender benders. Seatbelts are required in the front seats.

Parking is in a state of flux in Shanghai – plenty of free street parking is still available all over town, but increasingly, so are multi-story car parks and underground parking. Car park attendants collect cash fees when there is paid street parking, while ticketed machines operate in the parking.

Speed limits are as follows:

• 30 km/h (19 mph) on city roads where there is only one lane per direction, 40 km/h (25 mph) on China National Highways;
• up to 70 km/h (43 mph) on city roads where there is a major road with central reservation or two yellow lines, 80 km/h (50 mph) on China National Highways;
• 100 km/h (62 mph) on city express roads;
• 120 km/h (75 mph) on expressways.

Tolerance is generally around 10 km/h (6 mph). Some expressways may have tolerance set all the way up to 20 km/h (12 mph); however, anything around 15 km/h (9 mph) to 20 km/h (12 mph) over the stated speed limit is relatively high risk.

Penalties for exceeding the speed limits are as follows:

• up to 200  for excess speeds over 10 km/h but under 50% of the speed limit. Example: if driving at 100 km/h (62 mph) in a 80 km/h (50 mph) zone.
• up to 2,000  and possible loss of license for excess speeds over 50% of the speed limit. Example: if driving at 190 km/h (118 mph) on a 120 km/h (75 mph) expressway.