Quote Originally Posted by modron View Post
I went to do the 2 year bike inspection today. Took me about 2hand I accomplished nothing.
First try-rejected cos there was no phone holder on that picture in the registration book (blue one) therefore my little, cute case is illegal.........

Second try- rejected cos now they noticed that handlebars are not on the pic either

Third time- rejected cos the front light is not bright enough. Took the bike to my mechanic and they openly said I have to go to the mechanic close to the police station cos they have a deal with the inspector to squeeze more money out of people. So I went to that mechanic there and for 30kuai he put new bulb

passed

went to the final clerk and she says I need a insurance certificate, that little card that goes into registration book is not sufficient. "Surprisingly" there is an insurance company right next door to the police station. Unfortunately I can't buy insurance cos the old one didn't expire yet :/ I either need to bring the old certificate or wait 6 days until my old expires and than buy new one........

had enough
need a beer
This is the reason why I haven't bothered getting legal in China in the two years I've been riding here. A lot of bullshit red-tape that I don't have time or patience for. Chinese laws are really "suggestions" more or less anyway. I DID get my bike confiscated with no option to get it back last year after being involved in an accident with a car near downtown Guangzhou, where motorcycles are banned completely. The cop did say that had I been completely legal, the driver of the car would have been responsible for paying my hospital bills which resulted in my broken leg afterwards. Actually if I hadn't been a foreigner, more or less, the driver would have had to pay anyway as larger vehicles are generally considered at fault regardless of the reality of the situation. I'm not encouraging anyone to copy my example by any means, but my experiences have proven to me it's a waste of time (for me). Enjoy your beer ...