How long does a sedan need to be to require a yellow license plate?
3 Answers
Vehicles exceeding 6 meters in length must use yellow license plates. Below is relevant information about license plates: 1. Classification of license plate colors: There are four background colors for vehicle license plates—blue, yellow, white, and black. 2. National license plate standards: The dimensions for large vehicle license plates are: front—440*140 (same as small vehicles); rear—440*220. According to the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations,' medium-sized buses, large buses, and city buses use yellow plates; medium-sized trucks, large and medium-sized trucks, and trailers also use yellow plates. The vehicle type is determined based on the model specified in the motor vehicle's factory certificate.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've noticed many friends are curious about how long a sedan needs to be to require a yellow license plate. In China, whether a vehicle has a blue or yellow plate is primarily determined by the number of seats and its length. Ordinary sedans, such as family five-seaters, are generally only four to five meters long and all have blue plates. However, when a car exceeds 6 meters in length or has more than 9 seats, it will require a yellow plate, similar to large buses. For example, I've seen those luxurious extended sedans, like the extended versions of Lincoln or Mercedes-Benz, which can reach seven to eight meters in length—they sport conspicuous yellow plates on the road. This isn't arbitrary; such classification is for traffic safety management, as larger vehicles are harder to maneuver and more prone to accidents, requiring specialized licenses like a Class B license to drive. So, if you're considering buying such a custom vehicle, it's best to check the vehicle certification first to ensure its dimensions comply. For everyday cars, there's no need to worry, as standard sedan designs all adhere to regulations.
As a young driver, I once noticed this issue when driving a friend's extended limousine. In China, regular cars have blue license plates, but if the vehicle exceeds 6 meters in length or has more than 9 seats, it must switch to a yellow plate. The reason is that large-sized vehicles, like minibuses, have significant impacts: for instance, yellow-plated vehicles often face urban traffic restrictions, encounter more parking difficulties, and require an upgraded driver's license. I checked the traffic regulations and found this standard reasonable, as longer vehicles have larger turning angles and pose higher risks on the road. Common examples like extended Cadillacs, which exceed six or seven meters, must use yellow plates, and driving them feels noticeably different. As a car owner, if you're buying a used car or modifying one, measure the dimensions and seat count first to avoid disputes. Remember, regular family cars typically don't fall into this category, so avoid unnecessary modifications.
