No. Applying makeup while driving is illegal in China under traffic safety laws, as it constitutes distracted driving. The Ministry of Public Security enforces penalties, including fines up to ¥200 and potential demerit points. Local authorities, such as Beijing’s traffic police, have intensified crackdowns ahead of 2026’s stricter road safety compliance measures.
Key Regulations for Applying Makeup While Driving in China
- Traffic Safety Law (2023 Amendment): Article 22 explicitly prohibits behaviors diverting attention from driving, including makeup application. Violators face fines up to ¥200 (Article 90).
- Public Security Bureau Enforcement: Local traffic police units, such as Shanghai’s Road Traffic Management Bureau, conduct targeted patrols and issue demerit points (typically 2) under the Road Traffic Safety Violations Points System.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: The MPS plans to integrate AI-powered dashcams to detect distracted driving, expanding penalties to include mandatory traffic safety education courses for repeat offenders.
Local variations exist; for example, Guangdong’s provincial regulations impose stricter fines (up to ¥500) for “grooming activities” while driving. Courts may also consider makeup application as evidence of negligence in accident liability cases.