What was the motorcycle licensing policy in Shanghai in 2021?
3 Answers
Shanghai's motorcycle licensing policy for 2021 is as follows: 1. Reduction Only: The policy for private motorcycle licenses in Shanghai is reduction only, with no new licenses issued. 2. Transactions: Private motorcycles in Shanghai can only be traded between individuals with Shanghai household registration. 3. Driving Range: • Hu-A license plates: Allowed to drive throughout the entire city. • Hu-C license plates: Motorcycles with an engine displacement above 50CC are prohibited in the central 7 districts (Huangpu, Hongkou, Jing'an, Yangpu, Changning, Putuo, Xuhui) but allowed in other districts. • Hu-DR/ER/CR (Island) license plates: Motorcycles with an engine displacement above 50CC are restricted to the three island areas (Chongming, Hengsha, Changxing) and prohibited in other administrative districts of Shanghai.
As an ordinary citizen in Shanghai, I remember the motorcycle license plate registration in 2021 was quite a headache. You had to participate in the government-organized license plate quota auction first, which was held online once a month. The Shanghai A plates were the most valuable, allowing access to the city center, but the auction prices often soared to over 100,000 yuan, making them nearly impossible to obtain. I opted for the cheaper Shanghai B plates, which cost me just over 10,000 yuan, but they were restricted to suburban areas only—riding into the city would be a violation. The vehicle also had to be either brand new or meet emission standards, with the minimum requirement being China IV compliance, making it troublesome even to buy a used bike. The whole process was time-consuming; you could only go to the vehicle management office for registration and inspection after winning the auction, and there was a pile of paperwork to deal with. The result was that many people bought motorcycles but couldn’t get them registered, leaving them as mere decorations. The strict policy is understandable from a safety perspective, but it’s not very friendly for daily commuting, especially for ordinary working-class people like us.
I've been following Shanghai's motorcycle license plate policies since I started riding last year. The key is the plate auction system - you have to grab a quota on the transport commission's website first. The coveted Hu-A plates allow citywide access but often cost over 100,000 yuan, while my Hu-B plate only cost tens of thousands but restricts me to suburban areas with downtown access prohibited. Vehicles must meet China IV emission standards - new bikes pass easily but modified old ones rarely qualify. The registration process at the DMV involves inspections and fees, taking weeks to complete. Honestly, the strict policies and riding restrictions significantly dampen the hobby. While the government aims to control pollution and congestion, the outrageous auction prices make it inaccessible without substantial savings. At least motorcycle maintenance costs remain affordable, which is the only silver lining.
