Frankly, I hope it is 600 days or, better, permanent ... but the Beijing government's posting says it will be a 30 day crackdown. Whatever.

However, it seems that a few police are getting a little overzealous. Lots of strange cases being reported. For example, you know how we mount the front plate on the right fork? Well, apparently that is illegal. The plate should be mounted facing forward. The police are handing out 200 rmb fines and 6 points! Needless to say, this has caused more than one "objection" over on the Chinese forums.

Also, know the road tax book? (maybe this is only a Beijing thing) Apparently, that is supposed to be carried with you, at all times. No tax book? 200 rmb & 3 points.

Two-year inspection sticker? It must be properly mounted, in accordance with the supposed guidelines (nobody really knows what those guidelines are). 200 rmb, 3 points.

I'm afraid to check my plates online - damn, I've probably racked up thousands in fines and so many points since this crackdown began a week ago, I'll be spending months being re-educated in Traffic School.

Yeah, permanent, but rational. What a dreamer I am.

PS: And they're also going after shops. I visited Beijing's largest retail outlet today, and the owner told me that he has stopped mounting rear racks, bags, windscreens, or any other "unauthorized modification" because he's afraid of being heavily fined or, worse, shut down.