Driving in China
If you hold a Chinese driving license or plan to obtain one, it's essential to understand the demerit point system. These 12 points function as your “traffic credit limit”—exhausting them is no small matter! Today, we'll discuss which behaviors most easily and quietly “steal” your points.
The Basics
In China, each driver starts with 12 points per 12-month cycle.If you lose all 12 points within one cycle, you must retake the theoretical exam (Subject 1) to restore your license.
Common behaviors
that result in deductions
Failure to wear safety belt: -1 point
Illegal parking, lane changes over solid lines, or traffic sign violations on regular roads: -1 point
Using a phone while driving: -3 points
Illegally occupying the emergency lane: -6 points
Speeding on regular roads: 20%-50% over limit: -3 points; over 50% over limit: -6 points
Driving below the minimum speed limit: -3 points; driving against traffic, reversing, or turning around by crossing the median barrier on expressways: -12 points
Driving under the influence (blood alcohol content 20-80mg/100ml): 12 points deducted at once, plus license suspension and fine
Driving while intoxicated (blood alcohol content ≥80mg/100ml): Not only will the license be revoked with a 5-year ban on retaking the test, but the driver will also face criminal prosecution
Hope this information is helpful to you
If you need assistance with
obtaining a Chinese driving license
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