If you are involved in an accident where you are the driver, there are certain rules to follow. Firstly, do not move your vehicle until the traffic police show up, which often takes 30 minutes and accounts for the long jams regularly afflicting Shanghai’s roads. Secondly, if either party has suffered any injuries then all persons involved should visit the hospital together. And most importantly, do not sign any documents unless you have had them fully translated or can read Chinese. Despite being seemingly non-existent, traffic laws in Shanghai can result in huge fines if not obeyed. Speeding infractions come in two forms. Moving at speeds up to 50% over the speed limit earns a ¥200 fine, while moving at any speed above that same mark could incur fines of up to ¥2,000. Tickets are sent through the mail, and foreigners must pay the fines in person at one of the hard-to-reach offices listed on the penalty notice. Shanghai uses a points system, and a speeding ticket will cost you three points. Licences are revoked after drivers accumulate 12 points (see Certificates & Licences, p.66). Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Shanghai, with the legal limit being 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Drivers caught with blood-alcohol levels higher than that are fined between ¥200 and ¥500 and lose their licence for one to two months. Drivers caught with a blood-alcohol level higher than 80mg per 100ml may be treated as a drunk, fined up to ¥2,000, have their licence suspended for up to six months and be held in prison for up to 15 days. Serious accidents caused by traffic violations can lead to criminal investigations and detention. ­­­­