What are the penalties for driving a tricycle with a C1 license?
2 Answers
C1 driving a tricycle is considered unlicensed driving, which will result in the vehicle being impounded, 12 points deducted, a fine, and detention for up to 15 days. Permitted vehicle types for C1 license: The C1 driver's license allows driving small and micro passenger vehicles, light and micro cargo vehicles; light, small, and micro special-purpose vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. C1 license holders cannot drive: large buses, tractor units, city buses, medium buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, C1 license holders cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters. Age requirements for C1 license: The minimum age requirement for a C1 driver's license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants aged 70 or older must pass tests on memory, judgment, and reaction abilities.
I recently handled a similar case. Driving a three-wheeled motorcycle with a C1 license is considered driving a vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type, and the penalties are quite severe. If caught by traffic police, you'll immediately lose 12 points on your license and face a fine ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan. In serious cases, you could even be detained for up to 15 days. This type of three-wheeled vehicle requires a D-class license to operate, so never take a chance with just a C1 license. Once during duty, I encountered a delivery guy who got heavily penalized because he didn't know this rule. If you really want to drive a three-wheeler, I recommend upgrading to a D-class license. The test isn't complicated, and the cost is reasonable—it's much better than facing penalties. Also, insurance companies will deny claims in case of an accident, making this risk truly not worth taking.
