“Hu” C plates?

a) This car either just came to China and the owner did not have a chance yet to buy the proper license plates (monthly), b) the paperwork isn’t right and the connections were just good enough for the cheap plates or c) he or she spend all money on the car so no more left for the plates?!

Sidenote: Hu C plates are the worst possible plates for Shanghai. You are not allowed to enter anything within and including the outer ring road (S20, former A20), only outside of the ring.
Even “weidi” (other provinces) plates are better, at least you’re allowed to go into the city, even if not on the elevated roads during peak hours.