What are the differences between small yellow plates and large yellow plates?
3 Answers
Small yellow plates are used for agricultural machinery such as tractors, while large yellow plates are designated for heavy trucks weighing over 2 tons and buses with more than 9 seats. Yellow-plated vehicles generally refer to large vehicles, including trucks over 2 tons, buses, and vans with 12 or more seats. The different types of vehicle license plates are as follows: 1. Large motor vehicle license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders. 2. Trailer license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders, used for full trailers and semi-trailers not permanently attached to a tractor. 3. Motorcycle license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders, used for two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled motorcycles, and electric bikes. 4. Tractor license plates: Yellow background with black characters. 5. Agricultural transport vehicle license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders. 6. Experimental car and motorcycle license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders. 7. Training car and motorcycle license plates: Yellow background with black characters and black borders.
I have a deep understanding of the differences between small yellow plates and large yellow plates, as I've ridden motorcycles with small yellow plates and driven SUVs with large yellow plates. The most obvious difference is the size of the plates. Small yellow plates are much smaller, attached to the rear of motorcycles or electric bicycles, measuring about 15 cm in width and 9 cm in height. Large yellow plates are more than twice as big, approximately 44 cm wide and 14 cm tall, and can only be used on regular passenger cars.
The road access permissions are completely different. Vehicles with small yellow plates are prohibited from entering highways and can only operate on urban or rural roads. When parking, small yellow plates can more easily squeeze into tight spaces, while large yellow plates can park in designated spots. In terms of safety, large yellow plates have better reflectivity and are more clearly captured by cameras at night. In case of an accident, police first identify large plates, whereas small yellow plates require manual verification.
There are also differences in costs. Applying for a small yellow plate involves simpler procedures and easier annual inspections, while the process for large yellow plates is more complex, and insurance is more expensive. I often feel that small yellow plates offer more flexibility in crowded streets, but for long-distance travel, vehicles with large yellow plates are more reliable to avoid fines. In short, the type of vehicle you choose determines the size of the plate and its convenience, so it all depends on your daily needs.
The core difference between small yellow plates and large yellow plates lies in vehicle type and regulatory requirements. According to traffic regulations I've researched, small yellow plates are exclusively for motorcycles, mopeds, or certain electric bicycles. These plates are smaller with yellow backgrounds paired with blue or black characters, featuring standardized sizes that vary by region. Large yellow plates are designated for small passenger vehicles, featuring yellow backgrounds with black characters and uniformly larger dimensions. Legally, large yellow plate vehicles are permitted on highways with nationwide access, while small yellow plate vehicles are speed-limited to under 60 km/h and restricted to designated areas. The application processes differ significantly: small yellow plates require only ID and vehicle documentation for quick processing, whereas large yellow plates demand driving licenses, inspection reports, and multiple documents taking days to complete. This policy distinction facilitates management—small yellow plates cater to low-maintenance short-distance vehicles with limited insurance options, while large yellow plates represent formal automotive privileges with greater responsibilities. When choosing vehicles, don't overlook plate differences as they reflect safety standards: large yellow plates emphasize universal regulations, while small yellow plates suit beginners better.
