Traffic authorities in Pingtan county, Fujian province, have issued an order to all car rental companies to obtain complete administrative permits and licenses by the end of April.

Starting May 1, authorities will carry out a thorough examination of the car rental market, in order to eradicate companies using unlicensed cars. Fines for violators range from 3,000 yuan ($491) to 30,000 yuan, said the local transportation and construction bureau on Feb 27.

According to related rules, a car rental company should present a business permit, rental permits for every car and a rental contract universally used across Fujian province.

All car rental companies with at least 10 passenger vehicles, with a capacity of less than nine seats, are required to apply for a business license and renting permits from the local industrial and commercial administration, said the traffic bureau.

There are currently 119 car rental companies registered in Pingtan. More than 600 cars are known to be available for rent.

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Nelly Min