Can a Class C License Drive Vehicles with Yellow License Plates?
3 Answers
C class licenses cannot drive vehicles with yellow license plates; they are only permitted to operate blue-plated vehicles and new energy vehicles with green license plates. There are four types of C class licenses: C1, C2, C3, and C4, which authorize the holder to drive small cars, small and large tractors, and four-wheel agricultural transport vehicles. Small cars refer to passenger vehicles and sedans with nine seats or fewer, as well as sedan trucks. The full name of a driver's license is a motor vehicle driving license, also known as a 'driver's license,' which is a certificate required by law for individuals to operate motor vehicles. In China, a driver's license is defined as: a motor vehicle driving license is a legal document issued by the administrative authorities after the applicant has studied and mastered traffic regulations and driving skills, and passed the required examinations, permitting them to drive certain types of motor vehicles.
When I was getting my driver's license, I was also confused and thought a C-class license could drive any vehicle. Later, the instructor specifically emphasized that yellow-plated vehicles like large trucks and buses are off-limits, as these belong to medium or larger vehicles requiring a B1 or A2 license. A C1 license only allows driving small blue-plated vehicles with a total weight not exceeding 4.5 tons and a length not exceeding 6 meters. My buddy used his C license to drive a company's yellow-plated van for deliveries two years ago, got caught on the road, was directly deducted 9 points, fined two thousand, and the vehicle was impounded for half a month. Nowadays, road cameras are accurate; just comparing the license plate color and vehicle type will give you away. If you really want to drive large vehicles, you need to go for an additional license upgrade. Otherwise, in case of an accident, the insurance won't pay a dime, and you'll be held responsible.
I also thought about this when I first got my driver's license. The instructor at the driving school explained it clearly: Yellow-plate vehicles are large vehicles, the kind that are extra long and heavy, making them difficult to steer and slow to brake. A Class C license only allows you to drive small cars and minivans with blue license plates; yellow-plate trucks and buses are off-limits. Once, at a car club event, the organizer specifically checked everyone's license to confirm the permitted vehicle types—those driving yellow-plate buses had to show their Class B license. Getting caught driving a vehicle beyond your license class is severe: a 9-point deduction, a fine starting at 500 yuan, and possibly even license revocation. If you want to drive safely, don’t take chances. If your workplace has yellow-plate vehicles, either let someone qualified drive them or go to driving school to upgrade your license.
