⚠️This fact has been debunked
This is a widely circulated urban myth. There are no laws in China or Shanghai that prohibit red cars. Multiple fact-checking sources confirm red cars are commonly seen throughout Shanghai. The confusion may stem from China's actual vehicle color regulations, which relate to license plate colors (green for electric vehicles, blue for conventional) and emission standard labels—not the paint color of the vehicle itself.
It's illegal to own a red car in Shanghai, China.
The Red Car Ban in Shanghai That Never Existed
If you've heard that owning a red car in Shanghai is illegal, you've fallen victim to one of the internet's most persistent automotive myths. There is no law—and has never been a law—banning red cars in Shanghai or anywhere else in China. Red vehicles cruise through Shanghai's streets every day, from sporty coupes to delivery vans.
This urban legend has circulated online for years, often shared without verification. Fact-checkers, travelers, and Shanghai residents have repeatedly debunked it. Walk down any Shanghai street and you'll see red cars parked, driving, and sitting in traffic just like vehicles of any other color.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The origin of this fabricated law remains murky, but it likely stems from confusion about China's actual vehicle color regulations—which have nothing to do with paint jobs. In Shanghai and other Chinese cities, the government does regulate vehicle colors, but they're talking about license plate colors, not car bodies.
Since 2016, Shanghai has issued green license plates for new energy vehicles (electric and plug-in hybrids) and blue plates for conventional gasoline cars. This policy makes eco-friendly vehicles instantly recognizable and grants them benefits like free registration, which can save thousands of dollars compared to the license plate auction system for regular cars.
Real Vehicle Regulations in Shanghai
Shanghai does have strict vehicle policies, just not about red paint:
- License plate auctions: Regular cars must obtain plates through a competitive bidding system that can cost over $10,000
- Emission standards: Vehicles must meet environmental requirements, marked by colored labels on windshields
- Traffic restrictions: Certain areas have time-based access rules for non-local plates
- Electric vehicle incentives: Green-plated EVs get free plates and parking privileges
Notice anything missing? No mention of banning specific car colors. Chinese consumers enjoy the same freedom to choose vehicle colors as drivers anywhere else—red, yellow, pink, or purple if they want.
Why Urban Legends Stick
False claims about foreign countries spread easily because they sound exotic enough to be believable. "China bans red cars" fits a pattern of exaggerated or invented "weird laws from around the world" that circulate on social media. These stories rarely cite sources and exploit unfamiliarity with other cultures.
The truth is far less exciting: Shanghai's streets are full of red cars, and they're just as legal as any other color. The next time you see this claim shared online, you'll know it's pure fiction—and you can help stop the spread of misinformation by setting the record straight.