Are Motorcycles Issued Yellow License Plates?

[SanFinley]

Motorcycles can have either yellow or blue license plates. In terms of engine displacement: Motorcycles with an engine displacement above 50CC are issued yellow plates, while mopeds with a displacement of 50CC or below receive blue plates (the most common motorcycle displacements are 125cc or 150cc). Regarding driver's license requirements: Yellow-plated motorcycles require a driver's license, specifically an E-class license. Blue-plated two-wheeled motorcycles are classified as mopeds and require an F-class license. Concerning passenger capacity: Yellow-plated motorcycles can legally carry a maximum of two people including the rider. Blue-plated motorcycles are restricted to only one person, meaning they cannot carry any passengers.

[VanKendra]

The color of motorcycle license plates is quite a nuanced topic. In China, the most common type is the large yellow plate with black characters, especially for ordinary fuel-powered motorcycles which typically bear yellow plates. However, for lightweight motorcycles with very small engines, such as those with a displacement below 50cc, blue plates are required. Additionally, the large electric motorcycles commonly seen on the streets, which resemble scooters but exceed 25 km/h in speed, are also required to have yellow plates according to regulations. As for cargo-carrying three-wheeled motorcycles, they mostly have eye-catching yellow plates, while small elderly mobility scooters use white plates. Most importantly, driving a yellow-plated motorcycle requires a DEF-class license; a C-class license won’t suffice.

[Gilbert]

Last time I got a new motorcycle, I specifically researched the license plate rules. The 50cc displacement is a dividing line—anything above that gets a yellow plate, like 125cc street bikes or large-displacement cruisers. However, displacement isn't the only criterion; some cities are stricter with electric motorcycles, requiring yellow plates even if they don't exceed 50cc but have a top speed over 25 km/h. The most frustrating part is that policies vary by region—for example, Beijing now requires yellow plates even for electric bicycles, while Shanghai has separate light blue plates for new energy vehicles. I recommend checking the latest policies with your local vehicle management office rather than relying solely on online information.

[JackRose]

The color of motorcycle license plates actually corresponds to the vehicle type. Regular two-wheeled motorcycles generally have yellow plates, such as the common straddle-type bikes and scooters. However, mopeds with an engine displacement below 50cc, like the Honda Today, are issued blue plates. There are two types of three-wheeled motorcycles: cargo-carrying ones all have yellow plates, while enclosed passenger tricycles surprisingly also use yellow plates. Additionally, many cities now strictly regulate electric vehicles. Electric motorcycles exceeding 25 km/h or with a motor power over 400W will also require yellow plates. It's best to confirm with the local vehicle management office using the vehicle's certificate of conformity before purchasing.