Can a new car with temporary license plates but no vehicle license be driven on the road?
3 Answers
A new car with temporary license plates but no vehicle license cannot be driven on the road. According to regulations, driving on the road requires carrying the vehicle license. If the vehicle license is not carried while driving, the driver will be fined, deducted 1 point, and the vehicle will be temporarily impounded until the vehicle license is provided. A new car with temporary plates but no vehicle license indicates that the official license plates have not yet been processed. To register the license plates, the owner needs to bring their ID card, vehicle certificate, purchase invoice, vehicle tax payment certificate, and compulsory insurance policy to the vehicle management office. The license plate application process is as follows: first, the vehicle frame number needs to be stamped, then the vehicle is inspected. After passing the inspection, the owner can proceed to the business hall to select a license plate number, pay the license plate fee, generate the vehicle license, and manufacture the license plates. The process usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
I remember having similar confusion when I changed my car last year. After getting the temporary license plate, the salesperson said I could drive without waiting for the vehicle license because the temporary plate is a legal road-use certificate issued by the traffic department. The vehicle license is usually processed along with the formal license plate, so it might not be ready when you only have the temporary plate before getting the formal one. But make sure the temporary plate is affixed to the front and rear windshields, and its validity period is generally around 15 to 30 days. Never drive with an expired plate, or you may face fines or even penalty points if caught by traffic police. It's recommended to carry the car purchase invoice or receipt to prove vehicle ownership, which adds extra security. Driving a new car is exciting, but safety comes first—following the rules ensures a worry-free drive.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's perfectly normal to drive a new car with temporary plates before getting the vehicle license. In most places, temporary plates themselves allow you to drive temporarily, and the vehicle license comes later. Don't worry, as long as the temporary plates are valid and prominently displayed. If you get pulled over, showing the car purchase documents usually isn't a big issue. I remember once driving with temporary plates for an outing and almost got into trouble because I forgot to check the expiration date—luckily, a friend reminded me to renew them in time. In short, make sure to get the official plates as soon as possible and don't wait until the temporary ones expire. Drive discreetly, avoid speeding or violations, because cars with temporary plates tend to attract more attention. Safe driving is more important than anything else—don't let a small issue turn into a big one.
