Can a newly purchased car be driven on the road without license plates?

[SanJessica]

A newly purchased car cannot be driven on the road without license plates. New vehicles should first obtain temporary license plates before being driven. According to traffic laws: 1. For unregistered motor vehicles that have not obtained official license plates, drivers who need to temporarily drive on the road must obtain temporary travel permits. 2. If there is no temporary travel permit, penalties will be imposed. Additional information: If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display license plates, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks, or if the driver does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall detain the vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding permits, marks, or complete the necessary procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with regulations.

[JocelynDella]

When I first bought my new car, I also wondered if I could drive it directly on the road. But a friend reminded me that the law requires new cars to have either temporary or official license plates. Driving without plates is illegal, and if caught by the police, you could face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, or even have your car impounded. Insurance companies also won’t cover accident damages in such cases. Before taking your new car out, it’s best to quickly apply for a temporary plate at the 4S store or the vehicle management office—just fill out an application form and pay a small processing fee of a few dozen yuan, and you’ll get it in minutes. Following the rules is a way to take responsibility for other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Don’t take risks just to save a few minutes. Safety first is the golden rule. From my experience, I’ve learned patience—only driving when all the paperwork is complete gives me peace of mind.

[McCarlos]

I was so excited to take delivery of my car and wanted to test drive it immediately, but my neighbor warned me against it, sharing his lesson of being fined 500 yuan and penalized with points for driving without a license plate. A new car without a plate is like being invisible on the road, making accidents more likely and responsibility hard to determine. He suggested arranging for a temporary license plate through the 4S dealership at the time of purchase, as the process is straightforward and quick, requiring no specialized knowledge—any regular car owner can handle it. Starting your journey with that paper temporary plate in hand is both legally compliant and worry-free, boosting your confidence behind the wheel. Remember this little tip: new drivers shouldn’t shy away from the hassle. Following the rules can prevent a lot of headaches, protecting both yourself and everyone’s safety.

[StJulia]

Driving a brand-new car without a license plate is absolutely unacceptable and poses high risks. Other drivers on the road will have difficulty identifying your vehicle, which may lead to delayed handling in case of an accident, and insurance may not cover the losses. Safety is the top priority, so I recommend getting a temporary license plate as the first thing after picking up your car. Temporary plates can be easily obtained at the 4S store or the vehicle management office at a low cost. Don’t be lazy—spend a little time to ensure a worry-free driving experience. Driving in compliance with regulations is a responsible behavior towards everyone.