Can a new car without temporary license plates but with insurance be driven on the road?
2 Answers
A new car must have license plates to be driven on the road; without temporary license plates, it cannot be driven. The following are the details about new cars without temporary license plates: 1. Before obtaining the official license plates: New cars can be driven on the road with temporary license plates. The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" clearly stipulates that vehicles must display license plates as required when driven on the road, and failure to do so will result in penalties. 2. Temporary license plates must be applied for according to regulations: Before obtaining the official license plates, temporary license plates must be applied for as required to drive on the road. Temporary license plates must be used within their validity period, and using them beyond the validity period will result in penalties. New cars cannot use temporary license plates for more than 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply for official license plates from the vehicle management authority. After expiration, the vehicle may face impoundment, a fine of 200 yuan, and a deduction of 3 points from the driver's license.
As an experienced car enthusiast who has driven various new cars, I want to point out that it's a major misconception to think a new car can be driven without temporary license plates just because it's insured. Traffic laws mandate that all vehicles on the road must display license plates, and temporary plates are standard for new cars—driving without them is equivalent to unlicensed driving. I have a relative who bought a new car and, in the excitement, drove it without obtaining temporary plates, only to be stopped by traffic police, fined 500 yuan, and penalized with points. Even though insurance provides coverage, in the event of an accident, an unlicensed vehicle faces difficulties in claiming compensation because its legality can't be proven. My advice is to always have the 4S dealership handle the temporary plates when purchasing a car. These can usually be obtained at the vehicle management office with just the invoice and don’t take much time. If you’re in a hurry, you might try electronic temporary plates or temporary license plate services, but don’t rely on luck. Safety comes first—for your sake and others’, wait until the temporary plates are in place before driving. Don’t let a happy occasion turn into a hassle. That little effort is worth it!
