Can Refurbished Old Cars Be Licensed for Road Use?
2 Answers
Refurbished old cars cannot be licensed for road use in China. No matter how an old car is refurbished, it cannot be legally driven on the road. The country implements a mandatory vehicle retirement system, meaning once a car is retired, it must be dismantled, leaving no possibility for refurbishment and road use. Methods to identify if a car is refurbished: Check the vehicle's certificate: Examine the production date, odometer reading, and chassis number for any irregularities or signs of tampering. If such signs are present, be cautious as it might be a refurbished car. Note that the odometer reading should only be taken as a reference. Inspect the brake discs: If the brake pads appear unusually smooth, it could indicate excessive wear from frequent use, suggesting the car might be refurbished.
I've been playing with classic cars for decades. Whether a refurbished car can be licensed and driven on the road depends on its condition and compliance with national regulations. The key is passing the vehicle inspection, which includes safety, emissions, and lighting tests. When refurbishing an old car, the engine and braking system need new components, and the electrical circuits must be ensured to be safe. If the emissions don't meet the standards, like a National I vehicle, it's hard to refurbish it to meet the new standards. I've seen friends succeed in refurbishing, but it took a lot of time for tuning. I suggest getting an evaluation from a certified repair shop first before diving in blindly. Overall, legal refurbishment can reduce waste, breathe new life into classic vehicles, and reflect personal taste and the continuity of car culture.
