China has a vehicle license plate system that is as intricate as the country’s traffic management regulations and law enforcement. Take “鲁Q 669FD” for instance, that complies with the structure used in China. This article analyzes the format, purpose and relevance of Chinese license plates, along with the method of registering them and how they differ from region to region.
The Structure of Chinese License Plates
Chinese vehicle license plates are comprised of a specific combination of letters, numbers, and Chinese characters. Their composition pattern is given as follows:
- A Chinese character for the province or autonomous region
- One English letter for vehicle classification within the region.
- A five digit letter and/or number code that serves as the vehicle differentiation number.
For instance, “鲁Q 669FD” may be dissected in the following manner:
- 鲁 (Lǔ) – signifies Shandong Province
- Q – signifies a regional code for a certain city or district in Shandong
- 669FD – is the vehicle registration alphanumeric code
Provincial Codes and Regional Identifiers
The license plates from China have characters as suprafixes which indicate the province. A few examples are:
- 京 (Jing) – Beijing
- 津 (Jin) – Tianjin
- 沪 (Hú) – Shanghai
- 湘 (Xiāng) – Hunan
- 粤 (Yuè) – Guangdong
- 鲁 (Lǔ) – Shandong
The first English character after the Chinese one further specifies the region where the vehicle was registered. Larger cities or regions have several codes for different districts.
Categories of China’s Vehicle Registration Plates
China has different categories of vehicle registration plates which differ depending on the color schemes as well as their intended use:
- Blue Plates—Regular plates meant for personal sedans
- Yellow Plates—For commercial cars such as taxis and other big trucks
- Green Plates—For New Energy Vehicles (NEV) such as electric and hybrid cars
- Black Plates—For vehicles used by foreigners, consulates and foreign international designations
- White Plates—For military and police use only
- Red Plates—Government and other emergency vehicles, hard to find.
How China Issues License Plates
China uses a system of processes for the application of license plates, usually in the sequential order:
- Purchasing a vehicle: The buyer must first purchase a vehicle brand new or used.
- Vehicle Testing: The required vehicle must undergo a test at an Authorized Test Center.
- Application Capture: An application is captured at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Traffic Management Office.
- Plate Capture: More regions these days use a system with a computer for random capture of vehicle number plates.
- Payment for Services rendered: The charges for application capture differ from province to province and depend on the vehicle classification.
- Issuance of License Plates: The plate is issued upon granting approval and has to be affixed to the vehicle.
Special Cases: Personalized and Special-use Plates.
Although, there are exceptions in the randomly assigned plates:
- Auctioned Plates: Because of demand, some cities like Shanghai sell plates at auctions.
- Personalized Plates: Some people are allowed to request specific combinations but restrictions are in placed to ensure these are not offensive or misleading.
- Temporary Plates: These are for vehicles which are not registered or for people who regularly travel for a short duration.
License Plate Recognition and Law Enforcement
An ALPR system is available in China, which enables law enforcement to:
- Monitor traffic rules violations
- Trace and monitor the use of stolen vehicles
- Deduct road toll from the identifiable vehicles
- Assist in the investigation through vehicle identification
With regards to traffic management, the cameras within the roads and intersections are continuously capturing and detecting the plates, which automatically makes monitoring the flow of traffic more effective.
Impact of License Plate Regulations on Vehicle Ownership
In Beijing and Shanghai, like all major cities, there are policies that are set in place that dictate the issuance of new license plates with the aim of mitigating vehicle congestion and pollution. Examples of these include:
- Lottery System: There is a limited number of plates offered to the public every year through a draw.
- Bidding System: Some major cities opt to sell the plates in order to meet the demand.
- Restrictions on Non-Local Plates: For vehicles that are not registered within the major cities, driving in the urban areas is highly limited.
Final Statement
The vehicle license plate system in China stands as one of the key systems within the transportation network. From provincial symbols to specialized use plates, every “鲁Q 669FD” plate has some degree of meaning and importance. Learning this system is beneficial for the locals as well as the tourists for effective travel by road within China.
Questions and Answers on China’s License Plate System
Q: What does the Chinese character on a license plate mean?
A: The Chinese character denotes the province or autonomous region where the vehicle is licensed.
Q: Is it possible to select a license plate number in China?
A: License plate numbers are typically assigned sequentially; however, some cities do allow the bidding or customization of specific numbers.
Q: What are green license plates in China?
A: Green license plates are designated for new energy vehicles (NEVs), such as electric and hybrid automobiles.
Q: Why are some plates black in China?
A: Black license plates are assigned to vehicles of non-residents, including diplomats and staff of consulates and international organizations.
Q: Are there limitations in major cities with regard to non-local license plates?
A: Yes, certain restrictions for non-local plates are enforced by cities like Beijing and Shanghai to curb traffic jams.
Q: In what way do authorities track Chinese license plates?
A: ALPR, Automated License Plate Recognition, cameras scan plates for traffic law misdemeanors and any other security issues in need of control.
Q: What is the procedure for a lost plate in China?
A: One must file a report about the loss at the nearest Public Security Bureau Traffic Management Office and request a replacement.