Driving in China as a United States National
China does not recognize the International Driving Permit. Foreigners must obtain a temporary Chinese driving license. The country has a vast expressway network, strict traffic enforcement, and driving restrictions in major cities.
Key Things to Know First
China generally accepts foreign licences for short-term visitors. Carry your original licence and passport at all times.
Both United States and China drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but China uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | China | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | No | No |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 110 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in China
Speed limits in China are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in China
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers China before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in China
Primary emergency number in China. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull China Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in China.
Read the complete guide