What is the difference between Shanghai A and Shanghai B license plates?

[OHarrison]

There is no difference between Shanghai A and Shanghai B license plates; the only distinction lies in the sequence of application. When Shanghai A plates are exhausted, Shanghai B plates are issued, followed by Shanghai D, then Shanghai E, and so on. Currently, only Shanghai C plates are special as they are designated for suburban areas and are not permitted to enter the city center. The purpose of license plate numbers is to identify the vehicle's registered region through the plate, and they also allow authorities to trace the vehicle's owner and registration details. License plates, also known as vehicle registration plates, are panels mounted on both the front and rear of a vehicle, typically made of aluminum, plastic, or stickers. These plates display the vehicle's registration number, registered region, and other basic information.

[AthenaLee]

Having driven in Shanghai for many years, I've seen plenty of Shanghai license plates. The Hu-A plates are the earliest batch, dating back to the last century, so they're particularly rare. You mostly see them on older cars, and getting one isn't easy—it could cost a fortune at auction, even hundreds of thousands. Hu-B plates came later, around the 2000s, and now they're everywhere on the streets. They're relatively easier to apply for, but functionally, they're the same—both represent Shanghai-registered vehicles. Don't stress too much about the difference, buddy. It's mainly about when they were issued. Hu-A plates have more collectible value, like a status symbol—they add a touch of class when you're out driving. Hu-B plates are more common; regular folks can get one when they buy a new car. If you're really set on finding a Hu-A plate, you'll need to try your luck at an auction or hunt for a used older car. At the end of the day, a license plate is just a piece of paper—what matters most is driving safely!

[VonJace]

As an ordinary car owner, I'd like to share my experience. When I bought my car two years ago, I chose a Hu-B license plate because it's easier to obtain with a faster process - I successfully bid for one at just over 10,000 yuan. The Hu-A plates are different; my friend said they used to be much more expensive. Nowadays, I occasionally see older Mercedes models with them, which gives a sense of history. But in reality, there's no difference on the road - police don't distinguish between A or B, both allow citywide access. I drive my modest car with a Hu-B plate, and nobody laughs. The difference is just about issuance timing - Hu-A plates were more common in earlier years, while Hu-B plates were introduced later as supplements and are now more numerous. Don't overcomplicate it - focus on price, as Hu-A plates are scarce and valuable with intense bidding competition. My advice: don't be superstitious about license plates, safe driving comes first!

[RyleeMarie]

From a vehicle collection perspective, I love observing license plates. The Shanghai A series represents the earliest plates from Shanghai, dating back to the 1970s-80s. They're as rare as antiques nowadays and extremely hard to find in the market. The Shanghai B series, introduced after 1990, became mainstream and lacks collectible appeal. I've seen Shanghai A plates fetch astronomical prices at auctions solely due to their historical significance. In terms of practicality, both A and B plates meet standards and don't affect road usage. The difference lies in symbolic meaning: Shanghai A is classic, while Shanghai B is everyday. Personally, I'd say license plates aren't about appearance but about substance.

[Daphne]

As an office worker, I often get stuck in traffic on Shanghai roads. There's no difference in driving experience between Hu A and Hu B license plates. Hu A plates were issued earlier and might be found on some vintage cars, making them rarer. Hu B plates came later and are more numerous; my new car got a Hu B plate last year. The plate is just an identifier—both Hu A and Hu B can enter the inner ring and face the same traffic restrictions. The key difference lies in acquisition: Hu A plates are hard to get and expensive at auctions, while Hu B plates are easier to obtain. Don't overthink it—driving is about following the rules, not showing off your plate.