What does a yellow license plate vehicle mean in Shanghai?
2 Answers
In Shanghai, yellow license plate vehicles typically refer to large vehicles, such as trucks weighing over 2 tons or buses (including vans with 12 or more seats). Most commercial vehicles and motorcycles also have yellow license plates. Below is a detailed introduction to yellow license plate vehicles: Scope of application: Yellow license plate vehicles are applicable to large automobiles (such as tanker trucks, cargo trucks, and semi-trailer tractors); trailers (full trailers and semi-trailers not permanently attached to tractors); ordinary motorcycles and training motorcycles; vehicles used for agricultural purposes; low-speed vehicles (three-wheeled automobiles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, and low-speed cargo trucks); ordinary M2-class light buses; medium and large buses; cargo trucks with a load capacity of over 1.0 tons; vans with 10 or more seats; and prototype test vehicles. Notes: For heavy and medium cargo trucks, and semi-trailers carrying goods, the height from the ground must not exceed 4 meters; for vehicles carrying containers, the height must not exceed 4.2 meters; for other motor vehicles carrying goods, the height from the ground must not exceed 2.5 meters.
In Shanghai, yellow license plate vehicles, as I understand, typically refer to those large vehicles like trucks or long-distance buses that are required to have yellow plates. In Shanghai, due to their large size and high emissions, these vehicles often face restrictions on urban roads, especially on elevated roads and in the city center during peak hours—driving them in these areas can result in fines. Having driven a private car for several years, I often see these yellow-plated vehicles on highways or in suburban areas for long-distance trips. While out-of-town vehicles also use blue plates, the yellow ones are more conspicuous and subject to stricter regulations. This is not only for smoother traffic flow but also aligns with the city's environmental policies, given that large vehicles emit more exhaust, and Shanghai places significant emphasis on air quality management. Overall, yellow license plate vehicles represent a special category in Shanghai, and understanding their regulations is crucial for drivers to plan routes and avoid violations—entering restricted zones by mistake can lead to serious consequences.
