My update will have to wait until after the CNY, as they are already closed for the holiday. I have doubts that the info I will get might be partially incorrect, but as mentioned it's the only shop in town where I see police bikes being repaired and the shop is nice, CLEAN and appears to be one of the few places I can think of where I could ask such a question, and get a reasonably straight reply.

I will make it clear that I want to know what the law says, and not as it may pertain to me as a foreigner.