Can Non-Operational Vehicles Operate as Ride-Sharing Vehicles?
3 Answers
Private cars for personal use are allowed, but charging passengers for rides is illegal unless you have a ride-hailing business license. Ride-sharing vehicles without operational qualifications are referred to as "black cars" because they lack the necessary procedures, fail to ensure passenger safety, and negatively impact the interests of licensed taxis, thus not being permitted by policy. Additional Information: To apply for the taxi driver qualification examination, the following conditions must be met: possess a motor vehicle driver's license for the corresponding vehicle type and have at least 3 years of driving experience; no records of traffic accident crimes, dangerous driving crimes, drug use, drunk driving, or scoring 12 penalty points in the last three consecutive scoring cycles, and no records of violent crimes; other conditions specified by the municipal government.
As a guy quite interested in traffic regulations, I've found that running a ride-sharing service with non-commercial vehicles is feasible, but rules must be followed. The key point is that it's essentially carpooling to share costs, not a profit-making activity. In China, platforms like Didi allow private car owners to register as ride-sharing drivers, as long as the vehicle is in good condition and all documents are complete. After passing the review, they can start taking orders. Restrictions include a maximum of two trips per day to avoid too many cross-city rides. Local policies in cities like Beijing and Shanghai may require the driver to have local household registration or the vehicle to be locally registered. For safety, it's recommended to only use official platforms to ensure the trip, avoiding risks with strangers. I've heard many people use this method to save on fuel costs, but be careful not to charge beyond the limit, or you might face fines. In short, operating legally isn't hard, but it's essential to carefully read the platform's terms and conditions.
I had an interesting experience using my private car for ride-sharing. Just download a ride-sharing app, register and get verified, then you can start accepting orders. The benefits include sharing fuel costs with passengers heading the same way and having someone to chat with to pass the time. It works out to saving a few dozen yuan each week in costs. However, don’t expect to make a fortune from it, as the platform imposes daily limits on the number of rides and pricing—charging too much could be considered illegal. I’ve met some friendly passengers, and the platform’s rating system helps filter out reliable people. It’s advisable to keep your car clean and conduct regular maintenance, and make sure your documents are updated and valid before operating. But be mindful of the increased time investment and occasional detours that add a few extra kilometers. Overall, it’s a convenient option as long as you treat it as a side gig without overcommitting.
