
According to the new regulations issued by the Ministry of Public , the 2021 motorcycle regulations are as follows: 1. Cross-region convenience, one-certificate examination, and nationwide examination: In 2021, motorcycles will implement a nationwide 'cross-region convenience, one-certificate examination, and nationwide examination' policy for driver's licenses. Applicants can apply for a motorcycle driver's license anywhere in the country with their resident ID card, without the need to submit a residence permit or residence registration certificate. This will benefit 300,000 people who take the motorcycle driver's license examination in different regions each year. At the same time, the transfer of motorcycle registration information will be conducted online. Applicants can directly apply for the transfer at the vehicle management office in the destination city without returning to the original location for vehicle inspection or retrieving paper files, reducing face-to-face contact and eliminating the need for round trips between two locations. 2. Enhanced online services: The 'online service' experience will be deepened. Drivers can use the 'Traffic Management 12123' app to query and download records of traffic accidents, changes in permitted driving models, traffic violations, and full-point penalties, making it convenient for them to present and use electronic traffic safety records in their professional and personal lives, such as job applications, thereby promoting a sense of integrity and law-abiding among drivers. 3. One-vehicle-one-invoice system: Starting from July 1, 2021, the 'one-vehicle-one-invoice' system will be officially implemented for electric vehicles. According to the 'Measures for the Use of Motor Vehicle Invoices' jointly formulated and issued by the State Administration of Taxation, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Public Security, the electric vehicle industry will officially implement the one-vehicle-one-invoice system from July 1, 2021. Electric motorcycles, electric light motorcycles, electric tricycles, and low-speed four-wheeled vehicles included in the motor vehicle management category must complete tax payments and issue invoices. By then, unqualified manufacturers and products without 3C certification will be eliminated from the market. 4. Optimization of motorcycle scrapping period: According to the latest regulations, three-wheeled motorcycles will be scrapped after 10 years of use, while two-wheeled motorcycles and side three-wheeled motorcycles will be scrapped after 11 years.

I recently studied these new regulations and found several major changes. Starting from 2021, the motorcycle registration process has been simplified, eliminating the need to visit so many departments. The of electric motorcycles has been clarified - those with a maximum speed exceeding 25km/h must be classified as motor vehicles, requiring proper licensing and insurance. The most practical change is the adjustment of license classifications: Class E license allows riding regular two-wheel motorcycles, while Class F is only for lightweight motorcycles. Helmets must now be certified 3C-compliant products - many people used to get by with substandard helmets, but now there are real fines for violations. Highway riding has also been standardized - motorcycles capable of maintaining at least 60km/h are permitted on highways, but must keep to the right lane without passengers. I recommend all riders check their local DMV's specific manual, as restricted zones for motorcycles vary by region.

As a motorcycle enthusiast who frequently rides long distances, I pay special attention to helmet regulations and expressway policies. It is now mandatory to wear helmets that comply with the GB811 standard, so I specifically switched to a full-face helmet with reflective strips. The expressway has finally been clarified: motorcycles with an engine displacement above 125cc are allowed on expressways but must stay in the far-right lane, and carrying passengers is strictly prohibited. Speeding in the overtaking lane will result in a 12-point penalty. Another easily overlooked point: electric motorcycles exceeding 25 km/h must display yellow license plates and require a D or F license. Some dealers used to mislead people by claiming that electric motorcycles didn’t need a license, but now everything is standardized. Rearview mirrors must be fully installed, and modified exhaust systems have been listed as a key enforcement target. Remember to carry all your documents when riding in the mountains—modifications are being strictly inspected lately.

In 2021, these regulations primarily focus on electric vehicles. Many elderly people are unaware that their 60V electric scooters have been classified as electric motorcycles. Such vehicles require license plates, , and a driver's license to operate legally. Specifically: vehicles with speeds between 25-50km/h need a blue license plate and an F-class license, while those exceeding 50km/h require a yellow license plate and an E-class license. For traditional motorcycles, the new annual inspection rules are clarified: vehicles within 10 years must undergo inspections in the 6th and 10th years, eliminating the previous biennial requirement. Modification management has become stricter, particularly regarding headlight brightness adjustments. Additionally, motorcycles are explicitly prohibited from using bus lanes and cannot access the second level of overpasses. It's recommended to save the motorcycle section of the Traffic Management 12123 app on your phone for easy access to electronic traffic violation records.

The most practical change is the clear plan for electric motorcycles. Those with a speed below 25 km/h are classified as electric bicycles, those between 25 and 50 km/h are light electric motorcycles (blue plate/F license), and those exceeding 50 km/h are managed as regular motorcycles (yellow plate/E license). The motorcycle license test has become stricter: a D license allows riding all three-wheeled and two-wheeled motorcycles, while an E license does not permit riding three-wheeled ones. The slalom test has been removed, but a simulated lighting usage test has been added. Penalties have been increased: not wearing a helmet results in a 200-yuan fine and 1 demerit point, and being caught in a no-motorcycle zone may lead to vehicle impoundment. There is a focus on cracking down on electric motorcycles riding in the wrong direction and running red lights, with many delivery riders having faced consequences. Wearing a full-face helmet is mandatory for motorcycles on highways, a rule strictly enforced in many provinces and cities. Passengers on the back seat must also wear proper helmets, and children are not allowed to ride.

There were new changes in the annual inspection of our two motorcycles last year. The new regulations specify that vehicles within 10 years only need on-road inspections in the 6th and 10th years, eliminating the 2nd-year inspection to save money and time. However, motorcycles with an engine displacement above 250cc should note: some provinces and cities require mandatory ABS system installation. The transfer of used motorcycles has been relaxed, and even those meeting the National III emission standards can be transferred normally. When purchasing a motorcycle, pay attention: the invoice must specify the vehicle type, as some people couldn’t register their motorcycles with ordinary invoices before. For obtaining a license, it’s recommended to directly apply for a D license (three-wheeled motorcycle license), which is compatible with all vehicle types. Practical reminder: When installing a mount, avoid blocking the dashboard, as traffic police have recently started checking this. The trunk installed on the rear seat should not exceed the width of the motorcycle, and the side should not block the turn signals.


