"Even for Free, No Thanks"... Chinese Riders Pay for Counterfeit License Plates

Counterfeit License Plates Popular on Online Platforms
Major Cause of Chaos in Road Traffic Order
"Comprehensive and Integrated Regulations Covering Both Online and Offline Platforms Are Urgently Needed"

Recently, there has been controversy in China over the thriving illegal black market that customizes and produces counterfeit license plates for electric bicycles.

On June 11, China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "Illegal businesses are actively producing and selling counterfeit electric bicycle license plates on online platforms, making it impossible to verify authenticity," adding, "Vehicle owners and sellers are engaging in these risky transactions to avoid crackdowns."

The black market for counterfeit license plates for electric bicycles is rampant in China. Photo to aid article understanding. Pixabay.

CCTV stated that after investigating the Beijing area, it found that the illegal production of electric bicycle license plates is conducted through vehicle management agencies. Offline license plate production shops nationwide are subject to government supervision, so their processes are standardized, and forgery or misuse is impossible. However, on online platforms, it is possible to evade government surveillance, resulting in an active market for forgeries and fraudulent transactions.

Registering an electric bicycle license plate is free throughout China. Nevertheless, people are paying tens of yuan to have license plates illegally produced. This is considered a major cause of chaos in road traffic order.

License plate-related products sold on Chinese online sites. Baidu China.

The reason people spend money to buy fake license plates is due to the strict requirements for official registration of electric vehicles. In accordance with the "Electric Bicycle Safety Technical Specification" implemented since September last year, China raised the maximum total weight for electric bicycles to 63kg and removed the requirement that all models must be equipped with a pedal-assist system, thereby easing some regulations. However, official registration standards and procedures remain strict, so vehicles that are outdated or have accumulated fines due to past traffic violations cannot be officially registered. As a result, people are turning to the illegal black market.

Experts unanimously point out that by attaching fake license plates, individuals can avoid fines or make it difficult to trace actual vehicle owners when traffic laws are violated, taking advantage of this loophole. They also emphasized, "Unlike offline crackdowns, it is easy to sell counterfeit products on online platforms, leaving a significant blind spot," and stressed, "To prevent electric bicycle-related crimes and safety accidents, comprehensive and integrated regulations covering both online and offline platforms are urgently needed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.