Can the vehicle quota remain unupdated after selling the car?

[JamesonDella]

Selling the car without updating the quota is allowed. According to current national regulations, the quota for the old car can be retained for 6 months. When purchasing a new car, you can directly apply for the quota. Restrictions on applying for quota updates: When individuals apply for quota updates, if they have other motor vehicles that should be scrapped but have not completed the deregistration process, they must first complete the deregistration procedures for the scrapped vehicles in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Beijing Implementation Measures of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China". Individuals who need to sell or scrap Beijing-licensed passenger vehicles under their name, and whose name, ID type, or ID number has changed, must first complete the information change procedures at the vehicle management department before proceeding with the sale or scrapping procedures. Explanation on the number of quota update applications: After individuals sell or scrap passenger vehicles registered in this city under their name and need to purchase new passenger vehicles, they can apply for a quota update, using the "Passenger Vehicle Quota Update Confirmation Notice" as the proof of quota update. However, if an individual has more than two passenger vehicles registered in this city under their name, they can only choose one of them to apply for the corresponding quota update.

[VeraLynn]

After selling my old car, I specifically inquired about the license plate quota issue. Many cities now have time limits for this. For example, in Beijing, you can retain your license plate quota for about six months to one year after selling your car, depending on local policies. I remember Shanghai has similar rules - if you don't renew the quota within the time limit, it automatically expires, and you'll have to enter the lottery system again if you want to buy another car. You also need to consider the license plate transfer issue - the new owner must complete the transfer procedures within the specified period after taking your car, otherwise both parties could face complications. It's best to check the specific regulations at your local vehicle management office to avoid bigger problems. If you haven't decided on a replacement car yet, some areas allow quota extension applications, but you need to complete the paperwork in advance.

[OJoel]

As someone who has dealt with similar situations, I recommend updating the license plate quota promptly after selling the car. Most cities stipulate that quotas are valid for 12 months and expire thereafter. For example, Hangzhou adjusted its policy last year, reducing the retention period to 10 months. There are hidden costs during the quota vacancy period—while annual vehicle inspection fees and taxes are eliminated, you could suffer significant losses if policies tighten or license plate restrictions increase. Those switching to new energy vehicles should be especially cautious, as approval processes for EV quotas vary greatly between cities. Last time, I nearly lost eligibility to purchase a popular model because I delayed updating by just one month.

[Nadia]

From a practical perspective, don't delay the indicator renewal. Policies generally require vehicle registration updates to be completed within 12 months, after which the indicator becomes void. A friend in Guangzhou once had their indicator canceled for being just 3 days overdue, and it took them two years to get a new one through the lottery. Although you don't need to pay vehicle and vessel tax during the indicator retention period, a 0.5% late fee is still charged annually. If you're considering changing car models, you can complete the indicator renewal first and then replace the vehicle later. The process is actually simple—just bring all required documents to the DMV, and it can be done in half an hour.