How to Identify if a Vehicle is for Commercial Use
2 Answers
For commercial vehicles, the usage type indicated on both the vehicle's license and registration certificate will be marked as 'commercial use', while non-commercial vehicles will be labeled as 'non-commercial use'. Commercial vehicles refer to those that have been approved by the competent authorities by the end of the reporting period and are eligible for commercial operation. This includes vehicles that are technically sound, under repair, awaiting repair, or have been out of service for an extended period.
To determine if a vehicle is for commercial use, I usually start by glancing at the license plate color. In most Chinese cities, yellow plates indicate commercial vehicles, such as taxis and buses, while green plates are typically for private or non-commercial use. If the plate isn't clear, I check for special equipment inside the vehicle—taxis usually have meters or vacancy lights, and trucks often display logistics company logos. However, this isn't foolproof, as used cars might have been modified. I recommend checking the vehicle registration certificate or license, which states whether it's 'commercial' or 'non-commercial.' If still unsure, it's best to use a mobile app to enter the plate number for verification or check the vehicle information on the DMV website for accuracy. After all, commercial vehicles have higher insurance and tax costs, and misjudging could mean paying more. Remember, pay attention to details when inspecting a vehicle—don't cut corners, as road safety comes first.
