Can a Financed Vehicle Obtain a Ride-Hailing Operating Permit?

[VanDaniel]

It is possible to obtain an operating permit. More details are as follows: 1. Method: The Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with several other ministries, has issued documents stating that both the vehicle and the platform company must obtain a road transport operating license, and the vehicle must also obtain an operating permit. 2. Legal Basis: According to the 'Interim Measures for the Management of Online Car-Hailing Business Services,' applicants must possess both online and offline service capabilities to engage in ride-hailing operations.

[JoannaAnn]

I remember when I first considered becoming a ride-hailing driver, I also worried about whether a financed car could get an operating permit. To be honest, I went straight to the DMV to ask, and they told me that as long as the vehicle has legitimate usage rights, it can apply—as long as the car's age and condition meet the standards, such as being a new car within 5 years. However, it’s crucial to note that the lending bank may not allow commercial use. I’ve seen cases where friends faced fines for violating loan terms. My approach was to contact the lender and submit a written application for approval to use the car for ride-hailing. If denied, you’d either need to switch cars or wait until the loan is paid off. Before applying for permits, you must also update the insurance to commercial coverage with higher limits, or you’ll face complications in claims if an accident occurs. In short, it’s doable, but you must follow the steps carefully—don’t cut corners and ignore the risks.

[OParker]

From a financial consulting perspective, obtaining a ride-hailing license for a mortgaged vehicle isn't as simple as one might think. I frequently assist clients with this matter, and the key lies in the loan agreement: if the terms explicitly state that the vehicle is for private use only, operating it commercially without permission constitutes a breach of contract. The bank may repossess the vehicle and impose penalties. The safest approach is to contact the lender to request a change of usage purpose, such as calling the bank's customer service and submitting an operational plan for their review. This process typically takes a few days. If approved, you can then proceed to the transportation authority to apply for the license; if not, you'll have to wait until the loan is fully repaid. Additionally, don't forget to verify the vehicle's compliance with regulations. In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the vehicle must be within six years of its initial registration, and the engine number must match the records. Also, be aware that commercial insurance premiums are twice those of private use, so budget accordingly for the additional expenses.

[DelJayla]

When I first graduated, I was curious about this and asked colleagues from several ride-hailing companies. They all said it's feasible to license a financed car but with restrictions. I checked the policies online and found that as long as the car is under the owner's name, it meets the basic requirements, but you must ensure the lender doesn't object. In practice, first call the bank to confirm and document their consent; then visit the transportation authority to submit materials, including the vehicle registration and a copy of the loan agreement. If rejected, common reasons are the contract not allowing commercial use or the car being too old. After licensing, I also had to switch to commercial insurance, otherwise, I'd be liable for any accidents on the road.