What was the motorcycle licensing policy in Shanghai in 2021?

[SanDiana]

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.

[AddysonAnn]

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.

[VonLane]

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.

[Lily]

Last year I bought a motorcycle in Shanghai, and the license plate policy totally confused me. First, you have to bid for a plate quota at auctions—the coveted Hu-A plates allow urban riding but cost a fortune; on a tight budget, I settled for a Hu-B plate at 20,000-30,000 yuan, restricted to areas outside the Outer Ring Road. The bike must meet China IV emission standards, with strict inspections. The process boils down to online bidding, registration after winning the lottery. It wasn’t overly complicated, but quotas are tight with low success rates. Remember to bring your ID, purchase invoice, and emission certificate when applying. After getting the plate, I only dared to ride in suburban areas—getting caught downtown means hefty fines. The policy is rigid, but maybe it prevents accidents.

[DeAlex]

Living in Shanghai, the 2021 motorcycle license plate policy has impacted our daily commute. There are two types of plates: Hu A and Hu B. Hu A plates are auctioned at prices exceeding 100,000 yuan, allowing citywide access but are extremely hard to obtain; Hu B plates are more affordable at tens of thousands, but restrict riding to suburban areas only, with a complete ban in the city center. Vehicles must meet China IV emission standards to ensure environmental compliance. The licensing process involves online quota auctions, followed by vehicle inspection and registration at the DMV upon winning the bid. This policy has reduced the number of motorcycles in the city, alleviating traffic congestion, but has added inconvenience for motorcycle enthusiasts like us. Auctions are updated monthly, with limited slots fiercely contested. In practice, most Hu B users are concentrated in areas like Jiading or Pudong. Overall, the policy is strictly enforced, balancing government objectives of reducing pollution and enhancing safety.

[DeMelanie]

From an economic perspective, the motorcycle licensing policy in Shanghai in 2021 highlights the high cost of license plate auctions. The quotas are obtained through auctions on the website of the Transport Commission, with the price of a Shanghai A license plate potentially exceeding 100,000 yuan, which is more expensive than the motorcycle itself; even Shanghai B plates are worth tens of thousands. Vehicles must meet the National IV emission standards, otherwise, they cannot be licensed. The licensing process includes purchasing the quota and registering at the vehicle management office, which is both time-consuming and costly. Overall, the high costs of licensing and maintenance lead many to abandon motorcycles in favor of electric vehicles. The government's restrictions aim to reduce urban congestion and pollution, but the continuously rising auction prices place a heavy burden on ordinary buyers. With limited quotas and high competition, the average auction price in 2021 was around 70,000 to 80,000 yuan. Although motorcycles are convenient and fast, this policy makes many people hesitate whether it's worth the investment.