I can't find a thread that deals exclusively with illegal bikes, so I am tossing this in here ...

I guess everyone has heard about the new Exit/Entry laws coming into effect on July 1, 2013. Lots of info on various English websites in China.

Anyways, there was a recent public forum I attended where a "leader" from the PSB, Exit/Entry department was explaining the new rules. The guy must have been high up, because he had lots of those silver things on his shoulder and collar.

One of the key things he mentioned was that the Chinese consulates/embassies in other countries, as well as the PSB offices inside China, will now be able to refuse a visa (new or renewal) for ANY reason that the consular/PSB officer feels appropriate, especially if it is felt that the person will not follow the rules/laws of China. Further, the actual reason for a refusal does not have to be disclosed. Before jumping on China, note that this is the current practice in most Western countries who also deny visas for seemingly no apparent reason, and no actual reason is given - just a "denied" stamp.

So, apparently the big reasons for denial will be overstaying a prior visa, working in China on the wrong visa type, and previously behaving in a manner that is inconsistent with a harmonious society. But the keynote speaker said there could be a number of other reasons, and it would be at the discretion of the consular/PSB officer (again, this is the same with many countries).

At the end of the forum, the floor was opened for questions. When I got my turn, I asked:

"What about traffic offences? Could a person be denied a visa (or renewal) for traffic offences? And, if so, what type?"

There was a bit of discussion, but it essentially boiled down to:

1) Yes, if the visa applicant had violating serious traffic laws, then the applicant may be denied a visa (renewal), at the discretion of the consular/PSB officer.
2) A serious traffic offence would include those of a criminal nature, such as impaired driving, hit & run, being responsible for an accident that resulted in death or serious injury, and involvement in the trade, distribution, operation of illegal vehicles / documents.
3) Lesser offences such as speeding, jay-walking, would most probably not have an impact.

I tried to press for specific answers, but I began to feel that I was drawing too much attention to myself. Not wise. But I did get an answer to the question ... "What about a person who is driving an illegally imported vehicle with fake plates and documents?" After receiving an incredulous glare (it was then that I realized I had certainly drawn too much attention to myself) I was told that this type of offence can be regarded as serious, and perhaps even classified as criminal, but it would still be up to the discretion of of the consular/PSB official. Again, it might result in a refusal for a visa, or a visa renewal, but without any reason for the refusal given.

After making a quick exit, incognito, I gave it some thought about what would happen back home. I am pretty sure that if somebody in Canada on a visa was zooming around in a stolen/illegally imported vehicle, with fake plates, license, etc., they would probably be denied a visa renewal. That is, of course, after spending some time in Canada's "free hotel" operated by the police.

Then again, TI (still) C, so I wonder how the implementation of the new Exit/Entry laws will be done? I have no idea what sort of database is kept, or who has access.

Somewhat off-topic, but interesting, was the commercial dispute elements that were discussed - there will be a broader application of refused permission to exit China if one is involved in a commercial dispute where the amount of money is > 100,000 rmb. That isn't really a lot of money and could, I am making a wild guess, be easily exceeded by a traffic accident where the other party claims injuries.

Looks like the wild, wild East is moving into the history books, bit by bit.