What are the penalties for riding a motorcycle with a C-class license?
3 Answers
C-class driver's license does not permit motorcycle operation, and penalties are imposed as for unlicensed driving. Below are specific details regarding penalties for unlicensed driving: Penalties: Driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license, or when the license has been revoked or temporarily suspended, will result in a fine and may also lead to detention for up to fifteen days. Failure to Carry: If a driver does not carry their motor vehicle driver's license with them, regardless of whether they have violated any traffic laws while driving, they are not allowed to continue operating the vehicle. The traffic management department of the public security authority shall impound the motor vehicle and require the driver to provide the driver's license. Different measures will be taken based on the circumstances of the provided license.
I witnessed this firsthand—my neighbor Old Zhang got caught riding a motorcycle with only a car (C-class) license. Last winter, he was rushing to work when traffic police stopped him at an intersection. It was quite an awkward scene: he got 9 points deducted on the spot and had to pay a 2,000-yuan fine. The worst part? His license, just out of the probationary period, was revoked outright, forcing him to retake the test. Even more frustrating, he told me later that his motorcycle was impounded immediately, costing him over 300 yuan just in parking fees. Totally not worth it. Eventually, he properly enrolled in driving school to upgrade to a D-class license—a two-month ordeal. Remember: you need at least a D-class license to ride motorcycles, even for scooters—no exceptions.
Last time I chatted with a friend from the DMV, I specifically asked about this. Riding a motorcycle with a C-class license is considered 'driving without the proper license class,' just like drunk driving, and is a key target for enforcement. According to regulations, it results in a minimum deduction of 9 points, a fine ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan, and in severe cases, up to 15 days of detention. The crucial point is that these demerit points go directly into your personal record, affecting future license renewals. I have a friend who got stopped for this and was taken in for alcohol testing and a statement the same day. The DMV recommends that if you really want to ride a motorcycle, you should get a D-class license—the theory test plus the field obstacle course only takes two or three days, which is much more cost-effective than getting caught.
