Can a C1 driver's license be used to drive yellow-plated vehicles?
2 Answers
Yellow-plated vehicles are divided into large yellow-plated vehicles and small yellow-plated vehicles. A C1 driver's license cannot be used to drive large yellow-plated vehicles, but it can be used to drive small yellow-plated vehicles with 9 seats or fewer. The driving scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles, and light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles. Small passenger vehicles must have a seating capacity of 9 people or fewer. A C1 driver's license cannot be used to drive: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, or trams. Additionally, a C1 license cannot be used to drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters. A C1 driver's license is one type of motor vehicle driver's license code. The minimum age requirement to obtain a C1 driver's license is 18 years old, and there is no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or older must pass tests for memory, judgment, and reaction abilities.
I think a C1 driver's license doesn't allow driving yellow-plated vehicles because those are usually large trucks or buses weighing over 4.5 tons in total mass. When I used to drive, I noticed that a C1 license only permits operating small passenger cars and light trucks—vehicles with no more than 9 seats and under 4.5 tons in weight. If you illegally drive a yellow-plated vehicle on the road, the police will immediately spot the violation. At best, you could face fines of several hundred or even thousands of yuan, 12 penalty points, and possible license suspension. At worst, it could lead to accidents, endangering yourself and others. I recommend checking the back of your license, which clearly states the permitted driving scope, or simply upgrading to a Class B license by taking the B2 test—it's quite straightforward. Don't take shortcuts or risks. Safe driving should always come first; don't sacrifice rules for temporary convenience.
