What is the difference between blue license plates and yellow license plates for vehicles?
3 Answers
Different applicable vehicle types, different driver's license requirements, different charging standards, different annual inspection periods, etc. Specific information is as follows: 1. Different applicable vehicle types: Yellow license plates are applicable to: large vehicles, trailers, ordinary motorcycles, vehicles for agricultural purposes, three-wheeled vehicles, medium and large passenger vehicles, etc. Blue license plates are applicable to: vehicles with a length less than or equal to 6 meters; registered tonnage less than or equal to 2 tons; total mass must be less than or equal to 4.5 tons. 2. Different driver's license requirements: A Class B driver's license is required to drive a yellow license plate vehicle, while only a Class C driver's license is needed for a blue license plate vehicle. 3. Different charging standards: In terms of highway tolls, blue license plate vehicles have lower charges, while yellow license plate vehicles generally have higher charges. The volume, weight, and other factors of yellow license plate vehicles contribute to the relatively higher costs. 4. Different annual inspection periods: Yellow license plate vehicles require an annual inspection every quarter; blue license plate vehicles require an annual inspection every 2 years.
I've been driving for many years and often notice the colors of license plates on the road. Blue plates are generally for private cars, sedans, and the like—blue background with white characters. These vehicles are smaller, easier to park, and nimble to drive, making them suitable for both urban and rural areas. A C1 driver's license is sufficient, and driving them feels like handling a toy car. Yellow plates, on the other hand, are used for buses and large trucks—yellow background with black characters. These vehicles are as big as moving houses, cumbersome when turning, and must avoid urban restricted zones. The key difference lies in the driver's license requirements: a C1 license suffices for blue plates, but yellow plates require at least a B-class license, sometimes even an A-class, demanding more time and money to obtain. Insurance costs also differ significantly, with yellow-plate vehicles costing much more due to higher accident rates. In daily use, blue-plate cars are more fuel-efficient, while yellow-plate vehicles guzzle fuel like water. In short, choosing the wrong plate can affect your driving experience and safety, so beginners should pay attention to this.
From a vehicle perspective, there are significant differences between blue and yellow license plates. Blue plates are exclusively for small passenger vehicles, such as common family sedans with five seats or minivans, which carry fewer passengers and have lighter weight, allowing them to drive at 120 km/h on highways without speed restrictions. Yellow plates, on the other hand, are designated for larger vehicles like buses, trucks, and coaches, which have more than nine seats or exceed weight limits for cargo transport. These vehicles are restricted to lower speeds, capped at 100 km/h on highways. It's not just about the color; driving permissions also differ: blue plates require a standard driver's license, while yellow plates demand an upgraded license class. Additionally, I've noticed safety concerns—larger vehicles have slower steering, higher accident risks, and often face traffic restrictions in cities, being barred from entering core areas. Moreover, inspection frequencies vary, with yellow-plated vehicles undergoing stricter annual checks. In summary, understanding these distinctions helps avoid violations, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
