Shenzhen announces temporary traffic restrictions for APEC meetings

Vehicles travel along Shennan Boulevard decorated with APEC China 2026 flags and floral displays ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The city has announced temporary traffic restrictions for non-local passenger vehicles and trucks during the meetings. Shenzhen Special Zone Daily

Shenzhen will ban passenger vehicles with non-local license plates from six districts for 16 hours a day from Nov. 17 to 20, as part of temporary traffic restrictions announced Tuesday ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The restrictions, which apply from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, will cover all roads in Futian, Luohu, Nanshan, Bao'an, Longgang and Longhua districts, according to a decision issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Government on Nov. 3.

Separate restrictions on trucks will take effect between Nov. 16 and 20, depending on vehicle type, under a notice issued by the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Where non-local cars can travel

The passenger vehicle restrictions will not apply to Yantian, Pingshan or Guangming districts, Dapeng New Area or the Shenzhen-Shanwei Special Cooperation Zone. Vehicles with non-Shenzhen license plates will also be allowed on the roads from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Several major expressways, including the Shenyang-Haikou, Outer Ring and Shenzhen-Cenxi expressways, will remain open to through traffic, along with designated sections of connecting north-south expressways.

Drivers from neighboring cities heading to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport can use unrestricted expressways connecting to Airport South Road, Linghang Elevated Road and Airport Eighth Road.

However, non-Shenzhen vehicles traveling on expressways during restricted hours must remain on permitted routes and cannot exit onto restricted local roads.

Vehicles with Hong Kong or Macao license plates are exempt, although a specific exception applies to vehicles under the southbound Guangdong vehicle scheme outside their reserved Hong Kong entry periods.

Other exemptions include vehicles with diplomatic plates, emergency vehicles on duty, vehicles holding special APEC permits, passenger vehicles with road transport permits, excluding rental cars, and medium-sized and larger passenger vehicles.

Shenzhen has restricted non-local passenger vehicles during weekday morning and evening rush hours since late 2014. The temporary measures will extend those restrictions during the APEC meetings.

Authorities said the changes were prompted by the large number of non-local vehicles regularly operating in Shenzhen and an expected influx of visitors arriving by car.

The measures follow a green travel initiative launched Oct. 15. As of Nov. 3, more than 1.1 million Shenzhen-registered vehicle owners had pledged not to drive on their selected dates during the APEC period. The city also plans to increase and optimize bus and metro services.

Trucks face separate restrictions

Small trucks, excluding light and mini enclosed vans, will be prohibited from traveling throughout Futian, Luohu and Nanshan districts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19.

The restrictions also cover several major expressways within those districts, including the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Yanjiang Expressway, Guangzhou-Shenzhen Expressway and designated sections of Nanping Expressway. The section of Nanping Expressway east of National Highway 107 will remain open.

Large trucks will face restrictions on specific roads Nov. 17 and 18. They will be barred around the clock from the ramp connecting eastbound Nanping Expressway to northbound National Highway 107.

From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on those two days, large trucks will also be prohibited from using the section of Yueliangwan Boulevard north of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen Yanhe Expressway, the section of Beihuan Boulevard west of Longzhu Interchange and Tanglangshan Tunnel.

Vehicles transporting hazardous goods will be banned from all roads across Shenzhen, including expressways, around the clock from Nov. 16 through 20.

Vehicles carrying emergency or medical supplies, transporting fresh food, conducting emergency repairs or providing municipal services may apply for temporary permits to enter restricted areas when necessary.

Applications can be made through the official WeChat account "深圳交警" (Shenzhen Traffic Police) or the city's public security service platform. Approved vehicles must follow their authorized routes and schedules.

Emergency access and travel advice

Traffic police said they would provide necessary access for emergency medical trips and rescue operations. Residents requiring assistance can call 110 or 122 or approach traffic officers on duty.

Authorities will work with navigation service providers to issue updated traffic information and help motorists plan alternative routes.

Drivers are advised to check the restrictions before traveling and consult the official notices for detailed detour routes. They can also call 83333333 for information about the temporary traffic measures.