Can China III Motorcycles Still Be Transferred Now?
2 Answers
China III motorcycles can be transferred and registered. As long as there are no other local restrictions on motorcycle transfers (referring to non-emission standard restrictions, such as limitations on out-of-town vehicles or out-of-town individuals transferring ownership), the motorcycle can be transferred. New regulations for China III motorcycles: Domestically manufactured and sold motorcycles and mopeds currently adhere to the China II emission standard. According to newly enacted regulations, newly designed vehicles must meet the China III standard and be mass-produced accordingly. All manufactured, sold, and registered motorcycles and mopeds must also complete the transition to meet China III emission standards within a specified timeframe. Introduction to China III motorcycles: China III motorcycles refer to those produced in accordance with the "Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Motorcycles (Test Cycle, China III Phase)" (GB14622-2007) and "Limits and Measurement Methods for Emissions from Mopeds (Test Cycle, China III Phase)" (GB18176-2007) (collectively referred to as the China III standard), approved and promulgated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China.
Well, transferring ownership of China III motorcycles is basically difficult now. I just dealt with a similar issue last year when trying to transfer my bike to someone else. After checking with several places, I found that big cities like Beijing and Shanghai no longer allow ownership transfers for China III emission vehicles. This is mainly due to upgraded environmental policies—the China III emission standard is outdated and causes high pollution, so the government started restricting them since 2019. I suggest you quickly check your local DMV's policy, as rules vary by city. Smaller towns might still allow it, but chances are slim. If you really want to transfer ownership, prepare all required documents like the title deed and ID card, but honestly, in most cases, it's not worth the hassle. It might be better to buy a new China IV-compliant bike, which is also easier to maintain. I ended up switching to an electric motorcycle myself—cheaper, eco-friendly, and with lower transfer barriers. Anyway, don’t rush; first, clarify the local rules to avoid unnecessary trips.
