Can a C1 License Drive Yellow License Plate Vehicles?
3 Answers
C1 license cannot drive yellow license plate vehicles, it only permits driving blue license plate vehicles. Yellow license plate vehicles typically refer to heavy-duty or large vehicles, which require a B-class license or above to operate. The C1 license is designated for small and micro passenger vehicles, as well as light, micro, and small special-purpose vehicles. The full name of a driver's license is the motor vehicle driving license, which is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities after a person who is legally allowed to learn to drive a motor vehicle has studied and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the relevant tests. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills. Without these skills, driving a motor vehicle arbitrarily may lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals cannot drive on the road without a license.
When I first got my C1 driver's license, I was super excited and thought I could drive all kinds of vehicles. Later, I checked the regulations and realized that wasn't the case. A C1 license only allows you to drive small cars, such as sedans, SUVs, or microvans, with a weight limit of 4.5 tons and a maximum seating capacity of 9 people. Yellow license plates usually indicate medium or large vehicles, like vans with more than 10 seats, minibuses, or trucks, which require a Class B license to operate. I almost borrowed a friend’s yellow-plated vehicle to try it out, but luckily my friend reminded me that driving the wrong type of vehicle could result in being stopped by traffic police, fined 200 to 500 RMB, and having 12 points deducted from my license. In severe cases, the vehicle could even be impounded. Safety comes first—improper operation could lead to accidents. I recommend new drivers check the official rules on government websites or consult their driving instructors. Never cut corners or drive recklessly. It’s much safer to properly upgrade to a Class B license instead of taking unnecessary risks like I did.
I remember a while ago, my neighbor just got his C1 driver's license and bought a used van for fun. However, the van had a yellow license plate, which falls under the category of medium-sized passenger vehicles. He was fined after driving it for a few days. A C1 license is restricted to small vehicles, which must be private cars with blue license plates, featuring low weight and few seats. Driving a yellow-plated vehicle is equivalent to the risk of unlicensed driving, as traffic police are more likely to notice them because yellow-plated vehicles are often larger and more powerful, making them harder for beginners to control and prone to accidents. Having driven for over 10 years now, I've learned that when getting a driver's license, it's important to understand vehicle classifications: C1 is suitable for everyday small cars, while yellow-plated vehicles require at least a B1 license. Upgrading your license isn't difficult—just take a few more training sessions. Safety is what truly matters.
