CAR owners can swap license plates of the same type between cars registered under their name once a year, according to a national rule that will take effect June 1.

The rule is one of 10 measures released by the Ministry of Public Security to further streamline administration and improve the service to the public.

The ministry also increased the time period within which the car owner can keep the original car plate number from one year to two years after the car was canceled or transferred to other cities.

Five criteria must be met in order to swap car plates. The vehicles must have the same owner, the same place of registration, be of the same type and must not be designated for business operation. The owners applying to swap car license plates must provide ownership, vehicle and license certificates.

(Han Ximin)