What does a black license plate with the character 'Ling' mean?
3 Answers
Vehicles with black license plates are foreign-related vehicles, typically used by foreign nationals or diplomatic institutions. The color of the license plate indicates the type of vehicle: blue is for ordinary vehicles, yellow is for agricultural and engineering vehicles, green is for new energy vehicles, and white is for military or police vehicles. Information about black license plates is as follows: 1. Black license plates refer to those with black background, white characters, and white borders. They are issued to foreign enterprises (including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), foreign and international organizations stationed in China, vehicles purchased by foreigners in their own names for use in China, vehicles entering from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or abroad, and temporary license plates for vehicles detained by customs or confidential institutions. Black plates with white characters are for foreign enterprises, while black plates with red characters and the character 'Shi' indicate embassy vehicles. Black plates with red characters and the character 'Jing' mean the vehicle can cross borders. 2. Another type of black plate belongs to foreign institutions stationed in China, all issued by Chinese traffic management authorities and protected under diplomatic privileges, with owners usually enjoying diplomatic immunity. According to regulations, vehicle license plates can be directly installed on the vehicle body or mounted using a standard license plate frame, provided the frame cannot be easily removed and must be secured with a sealing device to prevent unauthorized removal.
Having driven in Beijing for many years, I often come across those black license plates with the character '领' (Ling) printed on them, instantly recognizing them as vehicles exclusively used by consulates. This design is part of the traffic regulations, specifically distinguishing vehicles of foreign consular institutions to avoid confusion. I've looked into the details—according to Chinese law, black plates themselves denote diplomatic license plates, and the addition of the '领' character indicates that the vehicle belongs to a consulate of a particular country, representing an official status and enjoying certain privileges. So, when I see such cars on the street, I avoid getting too close or cutting in line, as they sometimes can bypass local traffic restrictions. I've also noticed other similar plates, such as those with the character '使' (Shi) for embassies. Overall, this system originates from international conventions, helping cities manage more orderly, especially in areas like Shanghai and Guangzhou where diplomatic activities are frequent.
As a car enthusiast, I've long studied the meanings of various license plates. Black plates with the character 'Ling' are typical consular identifiers, simply put, they're diplomatic vehicles, completely different from ordinary plates. In China's traffic system, this color coding is strictly enforced, originating from international agreements to ensure safety regulations. The 'Ling' character specifically refers to consular institution vehicles, whose owners usually have official immunity, so I always try to avoid them during regular driving to prevent unnecessary trouble. Among other plates, black with 'Shi' represents embassy vehicles, green indicates new energy vehicles, and blue is for civilian use. Remembering these, I can handle any situation with ease by checking the traffic manual before traveling.
