Can a New Car Without License Plates Drive on the Highway?

[Rose]

A new car without license plates can drive on the highway, but it needs to display a temporary license plate. Driving without any license plates: If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a motor vehicle license plate, or intentionally obscures, damages, or fails to install the license plate as required, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license documents, and impose a fine and deduct 12 points in accordance with Article 90. How to apply for a temporary license plate: The car owner only needs to bring their ID card, car purchase invoice, compulsory insurance policy (copy), original vehicle factory certificate, and copies, then go to the vehicle management office window to apply for a temporary license plate, fill out the application form, submit the relevant materials, and after review, they can receive the temporary driving license plate.

[McCarson]

Driving a new car without a license plate on the highway is absolutely not allowed, as it violates traffic regulations. In China, after purchasing a new car, you must obtain a temporary license plate immediately before you can drive on the road, including highways. Temporary license plates are usually applied for by the 4S dealership and are valid for 7 to 15 days, which is sufficient time for you to drive to the vehicle management office to complete the formal procedures. Driving without a license plate on the highway carries significant risks. If caught by traffic police, you will face fines and your vehicle may be impounded. Additionally, in the event of an accident, you may be held fully responsible. I’ve seen cases where someone was caught driving a new car on the highway without a license plate, fined 200 yuan, and had their car impounded for several days—what a hassle! My advice is to get a temporary license plate as soon as you receive your new car. It only takes a few minutes, so don’t take the risk. On the highway, speeds are high, and driving without a license plate can cause confusion. Other drivers may not be able to see your car clearly, and in an emergency, they might not react in time. In short, safety comes first, and driving legally is the best practice.

[LaBentley]

Driving a new car on the highway without a license plate is completely illegal and should never be done. You must obtain a temporary license plate; otherwise, traffic police will immediately notice you once you hit the highway. Getting a temporary plate is straightforward—just ask the seller or the 4S dealership to handle it when you pick up the car, and it only costs a small fee. Driving without a plate not only results in fines of hundreds of yuan but could also delay your process of obtaining the official license plate. Safety-wise, unlicensed cars are extremely hazardous on highways due to insufficiently clear light reflections, especially in rainy or foggy conditions, making accidents more likely. A friend of mine took the risk of driving his new car without a temporary plate on the highway and ended up with a tire blowout halfway, nearly crashing into the car ahead, leading to severe consequences. Remember to plan ahead when purchasing a car—get the temporary plate before hitting the road. Regularly checking your plate status can prevent issues—don’t risk major losses for minor gains. Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility.

[LaCorey]

Driving a new car without a license plate on the highway is against the basic rules. Operating a vehicle without a license plate is illegal, and you need to be extra cautious of traffic police checks on highways. When purchasing a new car, first apply for a temporary license plate—dealerships usually handle this for free, and it's valid for a few days. The risks of driving on the highway without a license plate are too high, with hefty fines and potential vehicle impoundment. New car owners often make this mistake, thinking short distances are fine, but highways have heavy traffic and are prone to accidents. It's advisable to get a temporary plate immediately after picking up the car—don't delay. Safe and lawful driving ensures peace of mind.

[LeAubree]

New cars must have license plates when driving on highways; otherwise, it's illegal. It's best to apply for a temporary license plate when picking up the car, as the 4S store or seller can assist with the application, which is valid for about a week. Driving without a license plate on the highway carries many risks, including fines of hundreds of yuan if caught, and it can also affect your driver's license points. For safety reasons, unlicensed vehicles are hard to identify on highways, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. In my experience, new car owners often overlook this, thinking they can get away with it, but traffic police enforce this strictly. The DMV process is quick, so getting a temporary plate before setting off is the safest option. Driving habits are very important.

[SanAaron]

Never attempt to drive on the highway without license plates for a new car, as it violates mandatory traffic laws. You must obtain temporary plates before driving, which usually take just one or two days to acquire. Getting caught by police on the highway without plates will result in a ticket and unnecessary delays. The safety risks are even greater—insufficient lighting in high-speed environments can easily lead to accidents. Having driven for many years, I've seen plenty of such cases where excited newcomers forget the formalities. My advice is to prioritize getting your plates sorted after purchasing a car—don’t rush out recklessly. Temporary measures are simple and effective, and DMV services are highly efficient. Road safety depends on everyone.