Can a C1 driver's license drive a yellow-plate vehicle?
3 Answers
A C1 driver's license cannot drive a yellow-plate vehicle. Here is an introduction to driving a yellow-plate vehicle with a C1 license: 1. Fines and points deduction: A C1 driver's license can only drive blue-plate trucks and passenger vehicles. Driving a yellow-plate truck constitutes the violation of driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type on the license and driving without a proper license, resulting in a fine of 200-2000 yuan and 12 points deducted from the license. 2. C1 permitted vehicle types: A C1 license can drive small blue-plate passenger vehicles with 9 seats or fewer. It can also drive small and mini passenger vehicles as well as C2, C3, and C4 vehicle types. The penalties for 'driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a driver's license' and 'driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type on the license' are essentially the same. For these two traffic violations, if no traffic accident occurs, the penalty standards are: a fine of 200-2000 yuan, 12 points deducted from the license, and possible detention for up to 15 days.
When I first started learning to drive, I was also curious whether a C1 license could handle yellow-plate vehicles like trucks or buses. Later, I learned that a C1 license only covers small vehicles—specifically, blue-plate vehicles under 6 meters in length and with a total weight under 4.5 tons. Yellow-plate vehicles are no joke; they’re usually large trucks or buses weighing over 4.5 tons, maneuvering them feels like moving an elephant, with poor turning visibility and slow braking. Back in my younger days, I once helped someone drive a yellow-plate truck and nearly hit a wall on a narrow road—scared me half to death. Why are the rules so strict? Because these vehicles are harder to operate, and C1 training doesn’t cover them, making accidents more likely. Safety comes first—getting caught could mean fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan plus a 12-point deduction. If you really want to drive big vehicles, go for a B2 or A2 license. It takes time but it’s worth it.
As a car enthusiast, I've studied driver's license classifications. The C1 license is mainly for small vehicles like family sedans or minivans; yellow-plated vehicles are the big ones, such as commercial five-ton trucks or buses, which require at least a B2 license. Yellow-plated vehicles have higher chassis and larger tires, requiring different driving techniques—C1 drivers might struggle to control them, leading to rollovers or rear-end collisions. I think the license plate color coding is clear: blue plates are okay for C1, but yellow plates require an upgrade. Safety is the top priority; driving the wrong vehicle type isn't just a violation—insurance might not cover it either. At a car club event, I heard about someone who accidentally drove a large truck and got into a minor accident, losing money and getting hurt. If you really need to drive a yellow-plated vehicle, it's safer to get proper training at a certified driving school and obtain a B2 license.
