Destinations / China
Driving in China as a visitor
Read this before you buy. Mainland China does not recognise International Driving Permits. Visitors must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence through the local traffic authority before driving. A Vialy translation does not make you eligible to drive there. Arrange the official permit before you travel.
We do not sell for China. Check with the authority that issued your licence for the official permit. If you are also driving elsewhere on the same trip, check that destination.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What China expects
| Driving document | Official or local permit required; Vialy does not sell for this destination |
|---|---|
| Convention format | Local rules |
| Valid for | Not recognised |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police), 120 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h expressways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Only a permit issued by an authority in your own country is accepted here. |
| Booklet format they know | Local rules |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in CNY. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Documents | IDPs are not accepted: get a temporary Chinese licence. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol enforcement. |
| Speed | Extensive speed and ANPR camera network. |
On the road in China
At the pump
Petrol is sold as 92, 95 and 98 octane (gasoline) plus 0# diesel; stations are largely attended (full-service) and many are state-run Sinopec or PetroChina. Pay by Alipay/WeChat or cash, as foreign credit cards are frequently rejected; price is roughly RMB 7-8 per litre.
After a crash
Dial 122 for traffic accidents (110 for general police); do not move the vehicles in an injury or disputed crash until police arrive and document the scene. A police report is needed for any insurance claim and for the rental company.
Sources: chinadrivingguide.com · english.beijing.gov.cn · chinalegalexperts.com · tibettravel.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in China?
Read this before you buy. Mainland China does not recognise International Driving Permits. Visitors must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence through the local traffic authority before driving. A Vialy translation does not make you eligible to drive there. Arrange the official permit before you travel.
What document should you arrange for China?
Mainland China does not recognise International Driving Permits. Visitors must obtain a temporary Chinese driving licence through the local traffic authority before driving. A Vialy translation does not make you eligible to drive there.
Also in Asia
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.