Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
If the Country is ok with a IDP and you have a translation of it stamped by an Interpreter ...all should be good.. ..
Great in theory, but Ch!na can't and doesn't issue IDP's after all it's not a signatory as stated above. Since it can't issue a IDP then it follows that a PRC issued DL should not be valid, but, they are... this is simply a reflection of various countries softening their respective attitude and approaches to almost anything Ch!na. Go back 10-15 years this could not be any more different. Blame global trade, globalisation and politicians willing to turn 'the other cheek' just to placate and accommodate to the ascending power of the CNY.
It used to be in some parts of PRC DL's were issued to expats complete with foreign names, which would make the use of the PRC DL in English speaking countries that much more worthwhile, but as of a couple of years ago, it would seem that even this option has relented and DL's issued to foreigners are provided with Chinese names only. As I was told when I was renewing my DL at that time, the system had been 'upgraded' resulting in my PRC DL with my foreign name, being renewed with only my Chinese name... yeah an 'upgrade' and a step forward.
If I was a politician it would be a case of, "oh you don't accept foreign DL and IDP's ok", we don't accept yours... in the same way that Ch!na makes it incredibly difficult to allow importation of personal MC, and adds on duties and taxes that inflate the cost to a further 100% above MSRP, now worries, all like products that Chinese companies export from China to said country are also levied an equivalent figure.
Tit for tat... you betcha!
As for PRC DL and IDP's. Different countries, authorities and jurisdictions allow different DL's issued elsewhere to be used depending on personal and individual circumstances, relevant to local regulations and laws e.g. tourist, temporary resident, work permit, new immigrant. Consequently one's resident status plays a significant role.
IDP's can only be issued from the competent and authorised authority from the same country that one's DL is issued. Meaning that buying a IDP over the internet is pretty much a waste of money as they are not a legal document in many jurisdictions. Many IDP are issued for 12 months validity.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
The rules for whether someone can use their Chinese license in a western country will vary from country to country and sometimes from state to state. For example Europe mostly will allow visitors to use their Chinese license for 12 months. Some states in Australia could be 3 months, therefore any rider should ask the national licensing authority of the country you intend to ride.
There is also a difference if someone intends to be a resident or visitor, as some licenses cannot be transferred into a local license and a local license is a requirement for a resident. So in the UK for example Chinese license, you can drive on holiday and rent a car, however if you are a resident (for example a student) you cannot transfer a Chinese license and need to do your test again.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Mybe this is a way forwards for people
who have a Chinese DL and wish to make
Sure there is no misunderstanding with police
form other country when driving/riding abroad
can be done online ! Interesting
https://www.international-license.com/
And for all our Chinese friends here is the
Link in Chinese
http://www.international-license.cn/
I must point out that these website such as above are not real
IDP but just a translation of your Chinese DL into 9 languages
IMO because you can't get a real IDP in China you are left with no option on this front ! But again IMO if you can't obtain a IDP
this is how I see it
1. when you have nothing you end up with NOTHING!
2. when you have something you end up with SOMETHING !!
3. SOMETHING is always better then NOTHING IMO
Now my point is IT could help to have a translated copy of you Chinese DL into 9 other languages or he could not , one has to make up ones own mind on this matter
On my recent trip to Thailand I was not ask for a IDP at the Laos
border but was ask for one at the Thail border ! but I think the reason the border officer ask was because I was traveling on a British passport , but when I explained that I was not just a tourists in China but live in China all was ok but his request for a
IDP seemed strange because i presented him with a Chinese DL in the first place ! must be TIT (This is Thailand ) :deal:
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZMC888
The rules for whether someone can use their Chinese license in a western country will vary from country to country and sometimes from state to state.
I would add ... and sometimes from city to city, and policeman to policeman.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, has a huge Chinese population (around 20%), so the issue of Chinese driving licenses is common. Earlier this year, many Chinese drivers were fined and had their cars impounded for driving with a Chinese DL, even though the government policy is that a Chinese DL is valid for up to 6 months. After paying the fine, and the huge impounding fees (and, of course taxi fees), and taking the issue to court (a LOT of money), some were successful at having a minor victory (i.e., getting the fine negated), some were not.
Finally, after a lot of wrangling between the police and government, Vancouver area police have agreed to stop fining/impounding cars driven by people with Chinese DLs. But that is only In Vancouver. Other cities in the province of BC seem to be doing the fine/impound on an ad hoc basis. Further, other provinces in Canada technically allow Chinese driving licenses to be valid for up to 3 months/6 months (depending on province), but the police can still fine the driver & impound the car, leaving you with little alternative but to take it to court.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lao Jia Hou
I would add ... and sometimes from city to city, and policeman to policeman.
Vancouver, BC, Canada, has a huge Chinese population (around 20%), so the issue of Chinese driving licenses is common. Earlier this year, many Chinese drivers were fined and had their cars impounded for driving with a Chinese DL, even though the government policy is that a Chinese DL is valid for up to 6 months. After paying the fine, and the huge impounding fees (and, of course taxi fees), and taking the issue to court (a LOT of money), some were successful at having a minor victory (i.e., getting the fine negated), some were not.
Finally, after a lot of wrangling between the police and government, Vancouver area police have agreed to stop fining/impounding cars driven by people with Chinese DLs. But that is only In Vancouver. Other cities in the province of BC seem to be doing the fine/impound on an ad hoc basis. Further, other provinces in Canada technically allow Chinese driving licenses to be valid for up to 3 months/6 months (depending on province), but the police can still fine the driver & impound the car, leaving you with little alternative but to take it to court.
Sounds like B.C. or Canada as a whole really needs to sort out their traffic law and interpretation of foreign driving licenses one way or the other, ambiguous rules like that are insane and unfair.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZMC888
Sounds like B.C. or Canada as a whole really needs to sort out their traffic law and interpretation of foreign driving licenses one way or the other, ambiguous rules like that are insane and unfair.
I would say B .C. or Canada is not alone on this. Many countries have different laws in different states or provinces.For example in Australia you can buy an approved helmet in Queensland ride your motorcycle down to Tasmania and find your helmet is not approved in two states you have ridden through.
A large number of police in Australia do not know much about Chinese driving licenses(as really it is the last few years that they are seeing them) and you will find you get a different reaction from different police in different areas well I do.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
In Australia ... Chinese License holders are valid to drive until a Perm Resident has been granted then they have 3 months to get an Australian License.... they are required though to carry a translation of the Lic and conditions which must be signed and stamped as authentic by a recognised NATA ( a recognised standard) translator.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
In Australia ... Chinese License holders are valid to drive until a Perm Resident has been granted then they have 3 months to get an Australian License.... they are required though to carry a translation of the Lic and conditions which must be signed and stamped as authentic by a recognised NATA ( a recognised standard) translator.
Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that it varies from state to state. Usually Queensland has the toughest rules (as they are most redneck :lol8:) followed by NSW and Vic. SA and WA are often the most liberal varies though.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZMC888
Are you sure about that? I think you'll find that it varies from state to state. Usually Queensland has the toughest rules (as they are most redneck :lol8:) followed by NSW and Vic. SA and WA are often the most liberal varies though.
Pretty sure ...I am an Officer who Tests the Drivers here ...
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Last Spring Festival I called bout renting a car in NOLA and was told they would accept my Chinese Drivers license but not my Bank of America Debit card.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
While I am on Motorcycles is it possible to hire or buy a bike in Zhengzhou as I wish to do a trip through that fancy mountain cut road at Guoliang Cun in Henan next time I am there ..
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
Pretty sure ...I am an Officer who Tests the Drivers here ...
Sweet so all driver licensing and vehicle registrations follow the exact same system in Australia now, regardless of state?
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
While I am on Motorcycles is it possible to hire or buy a bike in Zhengzhou as I wish to do a trip through that fancy mountain cut road at Guoliang Cun in Henan next time I am there ..
You can't legally buy, register or rent a bike In China unless you are a resident or have a visa over 6 months (usually). They do not accept IDPs. You can however buy a bike in someone else's name or 2nd hand with legal insurance and take your chances without a license.
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZMC888
Sweet so all driver licensing and vehicle registrations follow the exact same system in Australia now, regardless of state?
No the States vary very far from it on some rules ...but I am sure of the Qld rules ...:naughty:
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ZMC888
You can't legally buy, register or rent a bike In China unless you are a resident or have a visa over 6 months (usually). They do not accept IDPs. You can however buy a bike in someone else's name or 2nd hand with legal insurance and take your chances without a license.
I see companies running Harley Tours through China now ..so please explain how they are getting around all this or have they found a flexible Official $$$ ...I have relatives there from a ( Chinese Wife) who own a bike shop ..so I can borrow ;) one ...no dramas and we have a House in China ..and I see on another Chinese web site people doing CJ sidecar trips up to Mongolia from Beijing ..so there has to be loopholes ?
Would I be able to buy a bike in my Wife's name and leave it with our relatives ?
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
I see companies running Harley Tours through China now ..so please explain how they are getting around all this or have they found a flexible Official $$$
Most likely, yes. As an aside, when the Olympic Games were held in PRC, it was possible to get temporary short PRC DL's for visitors/tourists at that time issued in BJ. That seems to have ended round the same time as the Games did. Some tour operators/companies have arrangements at a local level. This applies to a number of tour operators/agents.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
...I have relatives there from a ( Chinese Wife) who own a bike shop ..so I can borrow ;) one ...no dramas and we have a House in China
Great you have access to MC's and a pad from which to base yourself from. Since your wife is from the mainland then, you can get a 12 month spouse visa, so that'd take care of the minimum visa validity requirement for the visa as it applies to driver licencing. With that in mind, you could fairly easily convert your overseas issued DL with MC endorsement into a PRC one. Just have to sit a 100 MCQ theory test.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
..and I see on another Chinese web site people doing CJ sidecar trips up to Mongolia from Beijing ..so there has to be loopholes ?
A number of companies and tour operators have things sorted. Generally speaking - - 'they' are big fish, sometimes in big ponds, with deep connections. Unless you are the head of say, a fortune 500 company in someplace like SH, BJ, GZ, then what they can get done may not apply or work for you. Now if you move into a smaller pond then you might scale the ladder to become a bigger fish, where you might be able to get things done. Either that, or you just rely on a local who has the guanxi needed, though it never hurts to try and dot the 'i's' and cross the 't's' 'cause the word mei-wenti 没问题 gets thrown round an awful lot when it shouldn't - just on the basis of the person being a foreigner. Don't believe all of what you're told... Ignorance, as is often said, is no excuse.
Basically, there are the rules, and then there are the rules. People lower down the pecking order or in a different area (apply area in the literal and figurative sense), (even within government) may not even know the rules, and simply base their view on hearsay. It's worth keeping in mind that while PRC is one country, it is made up of many many mini empires or kingdo0ms, each with it's own set of chieftains.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Mouse
Would I be able to buy a bike in my Wife's name and leave it with our relatives ?
Sure, easy as. You'd have to insure the MC in whoever's name the MC is registered/plated to - in this case, you wife. You could sign an agreement between you and the 'owner' that assigns all responsibility over to you, as this can make it useful if dealing with anything official while out riding, especially in the case of an accident - where blame is disputed etc. In cases where blame has to be determined by the Traffic PSB, or similar, then they (the Traffic PSB) can/might require the registered owner/insurance policy holder to attend - having the agreement should take care of this. If not, easy if the owner is nearby or they are present e.g. wife riding pillion, an altogether different proposition hundreds km's apart. Don't ask me how I know this...
:rolleyes1:
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Seems there was, recently, a few tour companies.....Shao Yiqi in Shanghai was doing some tours (last time I saw him, he also told me he was building sidecars for HD's ....Thomas Chabrieres was with a group called Insiders Experience....Vietnam is getting HD's now and the Hog chapter of Korea has told me that Rentals will be there soon, but their are plenty of bikes to rent in V.N. China is a little diffrent .. does the temp. D.L. exist..... contact some of the tour companies and ask them ...
1 Attachment(s)
Re: Using Chinese licence abroad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hclayjones
Seems there was, recently, a few tour companies.....Shao Yiqi in Shanghai was doing some tours (last time I saw him, he also told me he was building sidecars for HD's ....Thomas Chabrieres was with a group called Insiders Experience....Vietnam is getting HD's now and the Hog chapter of Korea has told me that Rentals will be there soon, but their are plenty of bikes to rent in V.N. China is a little diffrent .. does the temp. D.L. exist..... contact some of the tour companies and ask them ...
Hi
Yes the temp DL does exist here is a picture of one sorry not a good copy!
Attachment 15702
And before some ask it not me or my wife or my girlfriend
:lol8:
