Motorcycle and Tricycle Crackdown Underway, Unlicensed Riders Targeted

A previously announced crackdown on two and three-wheel vehicles now appears to be underway, once again putting the spotlight on unlicensed drivers and their vehicles.

Although a rumor circulating in Beijing that all three-wheelers are about to be banned seems unfounded, riders of both should expect greater checks of licenses and registration papers. Three-wheelers are often approved for use by families who have a member with limited mobility, but those license are sometimes abused for commercial purposes.

Motorcycles and tricycles (sanlunche) are considered to be frequent violators of traffic laws, along with serving as getaway vehicles for robberies, according to Li Shaoming, spokesperson for the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Motorcycles and tricycles were blamed for 70 accidents in Beijing in 2013, killing 78 people.

Unlicensed drivers face arrest, deportation, fines, and/or confiscation of vehicles. Drivers of unlicensed vehicles face confiscation of the vehicle and fines. 

In December 2013, a traffic accident involving an unlicensed foreign rider of an unregistered scooter resulted not only in his deportation, but also that of his father, both of whom were working illegally in China.

Learn how to register your motorcycle or scooter here.

Photo: Dalje