Can temporary vehicle permits for Shanghai be bought online?

Rumor: Temporary permits issued to vehicles in Shanghai can be bought online.

Fact: Permits cannot be bought and are issued by city-level departments or district governments only for purposes related to epidemic prevention and control, emergency medical treatment, transportation of daily necessities, urban operation and personnel transfer.

According to the Municipal Public Security Bureau, this rumor started circulating after a man surnamed Chen from a local transport company shared a picture of an authorized vehicle permit and bragged to his friends on WeChat that he is able to sell permits.

The Public Security Bureau in Minhang district is currently investigating the matter, said Yin Xin, a spokesperson of the city government, on Thursday.

Yin said that those who commit acts that infringe COVID-19 prevention and control regulations will face legal consequences.

Jiang Ziyi contributed to the story