What is the meaning of a black license plate with the character 'Shi'?
3 Answers
Black license plates with the character 'Shi' indicate vehicles belonging to foreign embassies. Here are specific details about black license plates: 1. Black License Plates: These plates feature black backgrounds with white characters and white borders. They are issued to foreign enterprises (including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), foreign and international organizations stationed in China, vehicles purchased by foreigners for personal use in China, vehicles entering from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or other countries, as well as temporary plates for customs-seized vehicles or classified institutions. 2. Foreign Enterprises: Black plates with white characters denote vehicles owned by foreign enterprises. Black plates with red characters preceded by the character 'Shi' indicate embassy vehicles, while those with the character 'Jing' signify vehicles permitted to cross borders.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen all kinds of license plates on the road, but the black ones with white characters and the character ‘Shi’ are the most special. They represent diplomatic vehicle plates, exclusively used by foreign embassies and consulates. The plate numbers usually start with ‘Shi’, such as ‘Shi 123456’, indicating the vehicle belongs to an embassy or consulate. These vehicles enjoy diplomatic privileges, and we should yield to them on the road, avoiding honking or cutting them off. I’ve also noticed dedicated diplomatic parking spots in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai—parking there illegally might result in a ticket. Knowing these details is important to avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensure safe and comfortable driving every day.
As a young person who just got my driver's license, I was curious about the license plate system, and the black plates with the character 'Shi' are indeed quite unique. These are diplomatic vehicle plates used in China, with a black background and white text, where 'Shi' is the standard prefix indicating embassy or consulate vehicles. I've looked up information online, and these vehicles enjoy special protection in traffic, so we should avoid tailgating or sudden lane changes when driving near them. A friend reminded me that once you spot such a plate, maintaining a steady speed while passing is the safest approach. Although they're rare in daily life, understanding them adds another layer of driving knowledge, helping new drivers avoid issues on highways—quite practical indeed.
