Can a car without license plates drive on the highway?

[AdamMarie]

A car without license plates cannot drive on the highway, but it can apply for temporary license plates to do so. In addition to applying for temporary license plates at the traditional vehicle management office, car owners can also go to any traffic branch or team vehicle management station to apply for temporary license plates for their vehicles. When applying for temporary license plates, the car owner needs to provide some documents to the traffic management department. Car license plates are panels hung on the front and rear of the vehicle, which have a unified format and style as stipulated by national vehicle management regulations. They are hard number plates with registration codes issued by the vehicle management authority after reviewing, inspecting, and registering the vehicle that has applied for the plates.

[LeFinn]

I used to work at the DMV for a few years, so I know China's traffic regulations are quite strict. Unlicensed vehicles are not allowed on highways, as national regulations require registration and license plates before driving on public roads. Highways have high speeds and frequent checks—toll booths and cameras can identify vehicles without plates. If caught by the police, the car will be impounded, and the driver fined anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand yuan, plus penalty points on their license. New cars can use a temporary moving permit, also called a temporary license plate, which can be applied for at a 4S dealership or the DMV and must be displayed on the windshield. It’s valid for 7 to 15 days, allowing highway driving. However, if the temporary plate expires or is missing while driving on the highway, insurance companies may deny claims for accident damages. In case of an accident, liability becomes messy, and there are major safety risks. My advice is to get your license plate as soon as you buy a car—it’s hassle-free and legal. Don’t cut corners and risk safety or violate driving rules.

[MaryRose]

Having driven on highways for decades, I pay special attention to driving safety. Unlicensed vehicles must never be driven on highways for a simple reason: the license plate is like a car's ID card. Without it, the police struggle to trace the source, and surveillance systems can't capture vehicle information. On highways, the average speed exceeds 80 km/h, and the accident rate doubles. In case of an accident, an unlicensed vehicle means no insurance coverage, difficulty in determining liability, and disruption to the entire traffic chain. I remember a friend once drove a new car without plates onto the highway, only to break down halfway. The tow truck was delayed for hours, and repairs couldn't be completed, leaving him anxious. For new cars, it's best to use a temporary moving permit as a short-term solution, but don't delay—get the official plates promptly to protect both people and the car. Before hitting the highway, always check tires, brakes, and maintenance to ensure the vehicle is in good overall condition. Safety first—no luck, no risks.

[TeaganDella]

I remember when I first bought my car, I was eager to drive on the highway, but my friend at the dealership said it wasn't allowed without a license plate—it's illegal. Fortunately, I could use a temporary moving permit, commonly known as a 'temp plate.' The dealership helped apply for it by filling out some forms and charging a small fee. Once pasted on the car, it was valid for a few days and allowed highway driving. But you must check the expiration date carefully—getting caught with an expired temp plate could mean hefty fines of several hundred bucks and even vehicle impoundment. Driving an unlicensed car on the highway is risky; if an accident occurs, determining fault becomes chaotic, and insurance claims get messy. I waited until my official plates were processed before hitting the highway—much simpler. During the initial break-in period for a new car, short-distance driving is sufficient. Don’t let impulse lead to trouble.