China Driving Emergency Help: Police Numbers, Accident Steps and Useful Phrases (2026)
Emergency basics
- Traffic accident: 122. Police or danger: 110. Ambulance: 120. Fire: 119.
- Check injuries first, then take photos and videos before moving the car unless the road is dangerous.
- Contact the rental company early; insurance and deposit handling may require their instructions.
- Save Chinese addresses, permit photos, passport photos, rental contract, and emergency phrases before driving.
Real case: do not leave the scene too quickly
A traveler had a light scrape at a parking-lot exit and was pressured to settle in cash. The rental company told them to take photos, call 122 if needed, and wait for instructions. Even small damage can affect insurance and deposit handling, so a quick handshake is not enough when the car is rented.
What Can Go Wrong
- Settling verbally and later being unable to explain the damage to the rental company.
- Moving the car before taking photos of position, plates, signs, and damage.
- Calling only 110 when the issue needs traffic-police handling through 122.
- Failing to explain your location because you saved only English place names.
- Depending on Google or a VPN when your immediate need is a working China phone/data connection.
Official Sources
- Beijing Municipal Government emergency numbers: 110 police, 119 fire, 120 ambulance, 122 traffic accidents; 122 sends traffic police after receiving the accident location.
- China emergency-number guidance from official public-health and state media sources lists Police 110, Ambulance 120, Fire 119, and Traffic Accidents 122.
- Shanghai temporary driving permit guidance: rental-car drivers should carry the temporary permit, foreign licence, Chinese translation, and rental contract.
- Chinese State Council payment guide for overseas visitors: mobile wallets can link international cards, but emergency road situations still need cash and local communication backups.
Applies To
- Foreigners renting or driving cars in mainland China
- Travelers who want emergency numbers, accident steps, and simple Chinese phrases before driving
Does Not Apply To
- Trips using only public transport or a private driver
Need Mandarin help while planning the trip?
Get help with route checks, driver bookings, restaurant calls, and on-the-ground coordination in China.
Need Help in China?What to Do After a Driving Emergency in China
TL;DR: For a traffic accident in mainland China, remember 122. Police is 110, ambulance is 120, and fire is 119. Check injuries, make the scene safe, take photos, call the rental company, and follow police or company instructions.
You do not need perfect Chinese to handle the first five minutes. You need the right phone numbers, a working data connection, photos, and a clear location.
Save These Numbers
| Need | Number | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 110 | Theft, threats, disputes, crime, danger |
| Traffic accident | 122 | Car crashes, collision reports, traffic-police handling |
| Ambulance | 120 | Injuries and medical emergencies |
| Fire | 119 | Fire, smoke, vehicle fire |
For a normal car accident, think of 122 first. If someone is injured, call 120 too. If the other party is threatening you, call 110.
First Steps After an Accident
1. Check injuries and safety
Check people first, not the car. On expressways and busy roads, staying beside the vehicle can be more dangerous than the original collision. Turn on hazard lights, move to a safe place if needed, and use a warning triangle if available.
2. Take photos and videos
If it is safe, take:
- both vehicles’ positions
- licence plates
- damage close-ups and wide shots
- traffic lights, signs, lanes, and road markings
- the other driver’s documents if they agree
- your rental contract and vehicle number
Photos are the strongest evidence for the rental company, police, and insurer.
3. Call the rental company
Do not negotiate alone if the car is rented. Most contracts require you to report accidents. The company may tell you whether a police record is needed.
Tell them:
- where you are
- whether anyone is injured
- whether the car can move
- the other vehicle’s plate
- whether you called 122
- whether you took photos
4. Call 122 if needed
Use simple Chinese:
我发生交通事故了。
I had a traffic accident.
有人受伤。
Someone is injured.
没有人受伤。
No one is injured.
我不会说中文。
I do not speak Chinese.
请找会英语的人。
Please find someone who speaks English.
我在这个位置。
I am at this location.If you cannot read the address, show Amap/Gaode to a nearby person, hotel staff, or rental-company agent and ask them to help explain.
Do Not Rush a Cash Settlement
For a small scratch, the other driver may suggest ending it immediately. With a rental car, that can create problems later.
Why:
- the rental company may need a report
- insurance may require photos or police handling
- the other party may ask for more money later
- your deposit may be charged without enough evidence
At minimum, take photos and contact the rental company before leaving.
Expressway Accidents
On expressways:
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Move to the shoulder if the vehicle can move safely.
- Get behind the guardrail or to a safe area.
- Take photos only if it is safe.
- Call 122 and 120 if anyone is hurt.
- Call the rental company.
Do not stand around the car in a live lane. Safety comes before evidence.
Prepare Your Phone Before Driving
Before a self-drive trip, save:
- 122, 110, 120, 119
- rental-company 24-hour phone
- hotel Chinese address
- first destination Chinese address
- passport photo page
- visa or entry record
- temporary driving permit
- home driving licence
- Chinese translation
- rental contract
- insurance and deposit terms
Keep screenshots and paper copies where possible. Phones run out of battery at the worst time.
Related Guides
- China Temporary Driving Permit — Legal driving documents
- Rent a Car in China — Insurance, deposits, and company policies
- China Traffic Violation Fines — Camera tickets and deposit deductions
- Navigation Apps for Driving in China — Amap, Apple Maps, and location sharing
- Travel Assistance in China — Help with Chinese calls and situations
