Difference Between Local City Vehicles and Urban Area Vehicles?
2 Answers
The differences between local city vehicles and urban area vehicles are as follows: License Plate: Urban area vehicles belong to regional license plates, generally referring to the fact that the letters following the license plate area are not divided by district or county, but rather by chronological order. The first letter of the license plate represents the prefecture-level city, and the second letter represents the district or county. Urban area vehicles need to reapply for permits when entering restricted areas or places like Beijing, such as the "Beijing Entry Permit," etc. Local city vehicles, however, can freely enter restricted areas without needing to apply for permits. Different Registration Locations: Counties and cities will issue license plates based on the vehicle's condition and geographical location, hence the regional location information differs.
I've been driving for almost ten years and deeply understand the differences between local city cars and urban area cars, mainly in terms of registration and daily use. Local city cars are those with local license plates, making parking convenient in residential areas or nearby locations with fewer additional fees. For example, when I go shopping at the supermarket, parking spots are easier to find and cheaper. However, things change once you enter the city center. Urban area cars specifically refer to small or eco-friendly vehicles designed for central urban zones, like compact electric vehicles—small in size, fuel-efficient, with fewer traffic restrictions, and less hassle in congested areas. I remember last time I drove into the city without noticing the environmental zone and got fined 100 yuan, which felt quite unfair. Normally, I enjoy freedom of movement in my hometown, but once in the city, there are many more restrictions, which significantly impact commuting. In terms of vehicle choice, local city cars can be regular gasoline vehicles, while urban area cars now lean toward new energy options, offering better practicality, especially for air quality.
