Can a new car without temporary license plates drive on the highway?
2 Answers
To drive on the highway, a vehicle must have either a license plate or a temporary license plate. A new car without a temporary license plate cannot legally operate on the highway. According to Article 8 of the "Traffic Safety Law," the state implements a registration system for motor vehicles. Motor vehicles can only be driven on public roads after being registered with the public security traffic management department. For motor vehicles that have not yet been registered but need to be temporarily driven on public roads, a temporary license plate must be obtained. Temporary license plates allow driving in all regions within their validity period, provided that relevant documents such as the invoice, certificate of conformity, and proof of insurance are carried. The temporary license plate, officially known as the "Temporary Driving License Plate," is a paper-based license issued for temporary road use. The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed 30 days, and there are four types: temporary license plates for administrative districts, cross-administrative district temporary license plates, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. When applying for a temporary license plate, the applicant must fill out the "Temporary Vehicle Registration Form" as required and submit the following documents: proof of identity for the vehicle owner and agent; proof of the vehicle's origin; the complete vehicle factory certificate of conformity for domestically produced vehicles or import documentation for imported vehicles; and materials such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number imprint.
Last time I went to buy a new car, I was particularly concerned about this issue. The sales manager told me that driving a new car without a temporary license plate on the highway is absolutely illegal. If caught by traffic police, there will be severe penalties: a fine of 200-2000 yuan, 12 points deducted, and in serious cases, the vehicle may be impounded directly. I know someone who was in a hurry to pick up their car and drove on the highway without waiting for the temporary license plate. They were stopped halfway, fined a lot of money, and the car was delayed for several days. Getting a temporary license plate is actually quite convenient. The 4S store can handle it on the day of pickup—just bring the car purchase invoice, ID card, and compulsory insurance documents. Alternatively, you can apply at the vehicle management office yourself, and it takes about half an hour. There are two types of temporary plates: one for local jurisdiction and another for cross-province use. If you plan to drive on the highway, make sure to get the nationwide one. I suggest not taking the risk—follow the rules, drive safely, and have peace of mind. Temporary plates have a short validity period, so make sure to get the official license plate as soon as possible.
