Beijing Residents Battle License Plate Rules Amid Growing Road Congestion

Beijing implemented license plate-based traffic restrictions from March 30 to June 28, 2026, prohibiting vehicles with specific last-digit plate numbers from driving on designated weekdays between 7:00 and 20:00 within the 5th Ring Road. These measures directly limit access for many drivers during extended daytime hours across a large central zone.

Why restrictions matter for daily movement

The city recorded 5.53 million registered cars as of July 10, 2025. Average weekday congestion time reached 100 minutes in the first half of that year, 30 minutes longer than the previous year. Beijing's subway system serves as the main form of transportation, operating nearly 20 lines and hundreds of stations that cover major regions, while rush hour traffic speeds on roads often drop to 10-15 mph.

How commuters experience the pressure

Heavy traffic is expected on weekends and upcoming weeks around major parks, commercial areas, and ring roads, with peak congestion from 8:00-11:00 and 15:00-18:00. Residents who rely on vehicles inside the 5th Ring Road must plan around the last-digit rules on affected weekdays, often shifting to subway segments or adjusting departure times to avoid the 13-hour daily window. The combination of vehicle volume and fixed restrictions adds predictable delays for those traveling between residential areas and workplaces or shopping districts near the ring roads.

City measures and next steps

The 2025 Beijing Comprehensive Traffic Management Action Plan includes 32 key tasks, such as opening new subway segments including Line 17 and Line 6 extensions and adding 35,000 downtown parking spaces. These steps aim to ease pressure on existing routes. Residents can monitor updates from city transport channels for any adjustments to weekday rules or new subway openings that may alter travel options in the coming months.