Are license plates divided into front and rear plates?
4 Answers
Whether license plates are divided into front and rear depends on the vehicle type. For passenger cars, license plates are not divided into front and rear. Below is relevant information about vehicle registration: Documents required for registration: ID card, vehicle certificate of conformity, triplicate car purchase invoice issued by the 4S dealership, original and duplicate tax certificates obtained after paying the vehicle purchase tax, insurance policy, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and for non-local residents, a temporary residence permit is also required. New vehicle registration must be processed at the vehicle management office. After submitting all required documents and paying the fees, the vehicle must be driven to the vehicle management office for inspection. Some exempt vehicles only require an external inspection, which generally involves checking the engine number and chassis number. After the inspection, you can proceed to the vehicle management office lobby to select a license plate. The main function of license plates is to identify the vehicle's region of registration through the plate number, and to trace the vehicle's owner and registration information based on the plate.
As a car owner, I can tell you clearly that license plates are indeed divided into front and rear. Traffic regulations require both front and rear license plates to be displayed simultaneously; otherwise, it is directly considered illegal. The front license plate must be fixed in the middle of the bumper, while the rear license plate should be installed centrally below the trunk. Both plates have the same numbers and letters, but the rear plate is particularly prone to getting dirty with mud and water, so it needs extra cleaning during car washes. Once, during a highway inspection, the traffic police specifically bent down to check the rear license plate for dirt and damage, mentioning that current surveillance cameras use high-definition imaging, and unclear license plates can result in point deductions. It's advisable to avoid using cartoon-style license plate frames, as they can obscure the edges of the plate and are also considered a violation.
Just helped a friend with the replacement of lost license plates a couple of days ago. The front and rear plates must be separated. The front plate is made of metal and mounted on the front bumper, while the rear plate, made of the same material, is installed closer to the ground. During daily driving, the rear plate is particularly prone to hitting curbs, and I've seen cases where plates got dented from impacts. Both front and rear plates must be installed with professional anti-tamper screws—using wire to tie them is definitely not acceptable. I heard that smart cameras nowadays can capture both front and rear plates simultaneously. If you're caught with only one plate, it's an immediate 200-yuan fine and 9 demerit points—totally not worth it.
The mechanic at the repair shop previously taught me that cars come with pre-drilled license plate mounting holes at both the front and rear. The front license plate is positioned below the grille, where it experiences less wind resistance and minimal shaking; the rear plate is placed near the corner of the bumper for easy recognition by following vehicles. During every annual inspection, I’ve personally watched inspectors use a ruler to measure the position—license plates must be mounted at a standardized height above the ground, and angled installation is also prohibited. Also, never tamper with dirty plates. Last week at the gas station, I saw a driver use a marker to trace over faded numbers, only to have their car impounded by patrolling police—what a costly mistake!
