What is the difference between yellow and blue license plates for vehicles?
3 Answers
The differences between yellow and blue license plates for vehicles are: 1. Different requirements for driver's licenses: Yellow license plate vehicles can only be driven with a B-class license or above; Blue license plate vehicles can be driven with a C-class license or above. 2. Different traffic restrictions: Yellow license plate vehicles require a traffic permit to enter urban areas; Blue license plate vehicles can directly enter urban areas. 3. Different applicable vehicle types: Yellow license plate vehicles are suitable for: large vehicles, trailer license plates, ordinary motorcycle license plates, low-speed vehicle license plates, ordinary M2-class light passenger vehicles; Blue license plate vehicles are suitable for: general passenger vehicles, M1-class passenger vehicles, light trucks with a load capacity of less than 1.0 tons, and light motorcycle license plates. 4. Different requirements for operating permits: Yellow license plate vehicles require an operating permit; Blue license plate vehicles do not require an operating permit.
The difference between yellow and blue license plates for vehicles, I have to share my experience as a car owner. Blue plates are for small vehicles, mainly used for private cars and minivans. My sedan has a blue plate, which makes it convenient to enter the city without needing special permits—super handy for daily errands like shopping and grocery runs. Yellow plates are for large vehicles, such as buses or heavy trucks. A friend of mine drives a truck with a yellow plate and has to apply for a pass every time he enters the city, faces strict speed limits, and is always worried about speeding fines on highways. These two types of vehicles also differ in annual inspections: blue-plate vehicles require inspection every two years, while yellow-plate vehicles must go annually, and insurance costs are much cheaper for blue plates. Most importantly, the driving qualifications differ—blue-plate cars can be driven with just a C1 license, while yellow plates require a B2 or A license, making them much harder for beginners to handle. Choosing the right vehicle for its intended use is crucial. Yellow-plate vehicles have higher operating costs and consume more fuel, but they offer greater cargo capacity, whereas blue-plate cars are more economical for household use.
When I first got my driver's license, I also wondered why there are blue and yellow license plates. The main differences lie in vehicle size and purpose. Blue plates are for passenger vehicles with fewer than nine seats and small trucks—they're nimble, face no urban access restrictions, have lower fuel consumption, and are easier to park. Yellow plates are for large buses and trucks, like those tour buses, which require a Class B license to operate, have stricter speed limits, and often need special permits to enter city centers. My driving instructor said these rules exist for safety—yellow-plate vehicles are larger, have more blind spots, and pose higher accident risks. Additionally, inspection requirements differ: blue plates need annual checks only after ten years of use, while yellow plates require frequent inspections from purchase, costing more. Beginners should start with blue-plate vehicles to avoid the handling challenges of yellow-plate ones. After driving both a few times, it's clear—blue plates are effortless for daily use, while yellow plates bring heavy-load pressures.
