Can Blue Plate Trucks Enter Urban Areas?
2 Answers
Regulations vary across different cities in China, with some allowing entry and others prohibiting it. Here is some relevant knowledge about blue plate truck operation: 1. To qualify for a blue license plate, a truck must meet three conditions: The total length must not exceed 6 meters, the gross weight must not exceed 4.5 tons, and the registered tonnage must not exceed 2 tons. 2. Important Notes: The largest blue plate truck with a sleeper typically has a cargo box no longer than 3.85 meters. For single-row trucks without sleepers, the cargo box generally does not exceed 4.2 meters, as exceeding 3.8 meters or 4.2 meters would result in a total length over 6 meters.
As a veteran truck driver, I have to say that driving blue-plate trucks into urban areas really depends on the time and location. For example, in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, daytime restrictions are strictly enforced, especially in the core areas where entry is basically prohibited, only allowed between 10 PM and 5 AM. If you force your way in during the day, not only could you face fines of several hundred yuan, but you might also get penalty points. We drivers are used to delivering goods late at night and taking detours via outer ring roads or suburban routes during the day. What's more troublesome is that some new regulations change quickly. For instance, Shenzhen updated its restricted zones last year, so we have to regularly check the latest announcements on traffic apps. In short, frequent urban deliveries can also affect the vehicle's lifespan, so I suggest shippers plan their schedules in advance. If entry is absolutely necessary, consider using new energy green-plate vehicles—charging is convenient and hassle-free these days. This job isn't easy, so safety always comes first.
