Tips for a Safe Drive in Tibet and Other Parts of China

GoToTibet.com will handle all the procedure for your self-drive tour to Tibet. You will get the provisional plate and drive license upon arrival. But that is just the beginning of your tour. Before you hit the road, you are advised to read the following tips for a safe driving. Chinese traffic condition was once notorious and considered dangerous by many westerners because of the poor road construction and people lack of awareness of road safety. It was true but progress has been made over years after the building of numerous express highways, national highways and the improvement of people's consciousness of road traffic safety. Do not be frightened!

Traffic and Road Conditions in China

In big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu, etc, the roads are paved very well with traffic lights. There is nothing to worry about except of the rush hour in every morning and evening on weekdays. But driving to Tibet, you will also pass through many mountain areas and lands with very limited population. Most part of the roads are paved with asphalt or concrete but there are still very narrow roads with sharp turn, steep slopes.

Except of the automobile, there are also many scooters and bicycles in China. Not like drivers of auto vehicles will be fined for breaking the traffic laws, the riders of scooters or bicycles always ignore the traffic lights or signs since they will not be fined only if the police catch them on the spot. You mind need to be prepared for unexpected jaywalking and occupation of the drive way.

 
China-Nepal Friendship Highway via Tibet

Drive Rules and Regulations

For a safe and pleasant self-drive tour to Tibet, you can benefit a lot to remember all the drive rules and regulations ahead. Here we summed up some of the most crucial ones for your convenience.

1. A driver's license can be issued only if you are 18 years of age or older.
2. Drive along the right-hand side of the road in China.
3. Smoking is forbidden while driving.
4. Handheld mobile use is not permitted while driving. You are suggested to use an ear phone.
5. Driver and front passenger must fasten the safety belt while driving
6. Do not drive after drinking alcohol. You might be fined, imprisoned or your drive license be suspended.
7. When passing a crosswalk, always let pedestrians cross the road first.
8. Do not drive in the lane for buses and non-motorized vehicles

Some Bad Driving Habits of Chinese You Might Encounter when Driving to Tibet

Although there are many rules and laws to ensure polite and safe drive, but there are still some people who ignore the rules and drive at their own way. It is helpful to know the bad situation you might meet during your self-drive tour to Tibet and remind yourself not to follow any of the false habits.

1. No turn signal while the driver makes a lane change or takes a turn. ×
2. Overtake from the opposite direction even if there is a solid yellow or white line. ×
3. Keep the high-beam lights on when there is oncoming vehicle or when following a vehicle very near. ×
4. Drive against the direction of traffic when meeting traffic jam. ×
5. Drive on the non-motorized vehicle lane, bus lane in city or emergency lane on highway to avoid traffic jam. ×
6. Changing lanes without signaling. ×
7. Parking violations such as parking in bus station, side walk etc. ×
8. Throw trash out of the car window. ×