
Tiered lottery is a special lottery method where for every 24 cumulative participations in the lottery, one additional lottery base sequence number is added (i.e., advancing one tier, doubling the winning probability), with a maximum of 4 base sequence numbers. Below is a detailed introduction to the tiered lottery: Lottery Rules: The tier status of individual tiered lottery is achieved by increasing the applicant's lottery base sequence number in the lottery pool. Participants in the incremental indicator lottery can accumulate their participations; for every 24 additional participations, they can ascend one tier in the individual tiered lottery. With each tier ascended, the applicant gains one more lottery base sequence number in the lottery, with a maximum of 3 additional lottery base sequence numbers. Lottery Indicators: In a single individual tiered lottery, one person can only win one indicator. Moreover, individual tiered lotteries can only be held twice per configuration cycle. The indicators obtained from individual tiered lotteries are also valid for only one year.

The tiered lottery is a rule in license plate allocation, meaning that the more times a person participates in the lottery, the higher their chances of winning—like climbing a staircase. I started participating a few years ago when I was in Beijing. Each time I didn’t win, I accumulated points, and my probability increased slightly afterward. This ensures that those who have been waiting for a long time don’t wait in vain, but it also makes it harder for newcomers. Some people find this fair because it prevents veterans from always getting ahead, while others complain about the long wait. It’s advisable to check your city’s rules before applying, such as how many consecutive years of participation are required to qualify for this benefit, to avoid wasted effort. Overall, this helps balance the allocation of license plate resources, but if you plan to buy a car, you’ll need to start participating in the lottery early.

The stepped lottery is a license plate quota allocation method that adjusts the winning probability based on participation frequency. I've seen it implemented under urban vehicle quota policies, and the principle is straightforward: if you don't win in the first draw, you get bonus points to increase your chances next time. This mechanism ensures fairer resource distribution, preventing situations where some people win immediately while others never get a turn. However, don't underestimate its complexity—rules vary across regions, with cities like Shanghai and Beijing using slightly different calculation formulas. In practice, I recommend paying close attention to your accumulated points, as they might reset if you miss a draw. The advantage is it reduces blind panic buying, but the drawback is new applicants must wait patiently. Ultimately, this reflects social equity, though it may influence your decision between purchasing new energy or gasoline vehicles.

The ladder lottery is a points-based system for license plate lotteries, where participation increases the chances of winning. I encountered it when I first started learning to drive—applying for a license plate in a big city meant that each unsuccessful attempt would improve your odds in the next draw. The process is straightforward: the system automatically tracks your lottery history, and those with higher points have greater weight in the draw. This design protects the rights of long-term users but makes it harder for newcomers to get started. Many cities with license plate restrictions now use this rule to maintain order. If you plan to buy a car, it's best to register for the lottery pool early. Understanding local policies can save you a lot of hassle.


