The Ministry of Public Security in China is set to roll out five new measures designed to simplify administrative processes for both citizens and businesses related to vehicle management. These significant reforms, aimed at enhancing the convenience of traffic management services, will be implemented nationwide starting December 1st. Among the key initiatives is the streamlined online registration for new imported passenger cars.
Online Registration for Imported Cars
Building upon the existing “one-stop” online service for domestically produced new cars, which already integrates information from tax, financial regulatory, and sales departments, the new policy will further enhance data sharing with market regulators. This will include pre-inspection information for imported vehicles. After purchasing an imported car, owners will be able to complete all procedures, including number plate selection and registration, through the official “交管 12123” mobile app. This “one-stop” online service eliminates the need for physical visits to multiple government offices, significantly reducing the burden on citizens and allowing for a complete registration process from the comfort of one’s home.
Simplified Business License Submissions
Another crucial reform is the “免提交” (exemption from submission) of paper business licenses for enterprises. By connecting with the electronic business license data from market regulatory departments, businesses will no longer need to present physical copies of their licenses when conducting vehicle management affairs. This applies to new car registrations and transfers of second-hand vehicles, aiming to boost efficiency and cut operational costs for businesses.
Enhanced Online Services for Businesses
Furthering the convenience for companies, a new online registration service for enterprise users has been introduced within the “交管 12123” app. This feature will allow registered businesses, which have already obtained their electronic business licenses, to easily query information related to their vehicles, including their status, any violations or accidents, and important notifications. This service is specifically designed for enterprises and their branches, providing them with more accessible and real-time data management capabilities.
Streamlined Temporary Plate Applications
Automotive manufacturers will benefit from a new online application process for temporary license plates for test vehicles. The “Internet Traffic Safety Comprehensive Service Management Platform” will now support these applications, removing the requirement for manufacturers to visit vehicle management offices in person. This change is expected to reduce travel time and costs for businesses, thereby supporting the growth and development of the automotive industry.
Pilot of “Ask and Handle” Service with AI Assistant
In a move to leverage intelligent services, a pilot program for an AI-powered customer service assistant named “交管小安” (Traffic Management Little An) is being launched on the “交管 12123” app. This smart customer service feature will offer an “ask and handle” model for traffic management inquiries and tasks. Initially available in major cities including provincial capitals, autonomous region capitals, and sub-provincial cities, this initiative aims to improve user experience and enhance the level of intelligent service delivery in traffic management.
Context of Reforms
These reforms are being introduced against a backdrop of rapid growth in China’s motor vehicle and driver population. As of October 2026, the country had registered 480 million motor vehicles, including 370 million cars, and 570 million drivers. The Ministry of Public Security has been consistently prioritizing a people-centered approach, having introduced over 170 traffic management reform measures to date. These efforts have cumulatively saved individuals and businesses over 100 billion yuan in costs. Furthermore, the ministry has reduced the number of required documents by over 4 billion, facilitated over 200 million cross-provincial vehicle inspections and licensing services, and enabled third-party agencies like 4S dealerships and insurance companies to handle traffic management tasks, making services more accessible.
The “交管 12123” mobile app, a cornerstone of these digital transformation efforts, currently boasts over 610 million users, with an average of 27 million daily visits and 4.47 million daily transactions, underscoring the significant shift towards online and convenient service delivery.
