Can a Temporary License Plate Be Used on Highways to Travel to Other Cities?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates can be used on highways to travel to other cities, provided that the corresponding type of temporary license plate is applied for, namely the cross-administrative district temporary license plate. If the applied temporary license plate is not of this type, it cannot be used on highways to travel to other cities. Temporary license plates are divided into four types: cross-administrative district temporary license plates, administrative district temporary license plates, special-type motor vehicle temporary license plates, and experimental temporary license plates. The two most common types are temporary license plates with light blue background, black characters, and black borders, and those with brown-yellow background, black characters, and black borders. Temporary license plates with light blue background, black characters, and black borders are only valid within the city and are referred to as local temporary license plates. These plates cannot be used to travel to other cities and have significant limitations. Temporary license plates with brown-yellow background, black characters, and black borders can be used for cross-city travel and are referred to as non-local temporary license plates. These plates can be used to travel to other cities, and there is no need to worry about using them on highways.
When I first bought my car, I used temporary license plates for a long-distance trip on the highway to another city, which was really convenient. Temporary license plates are divided into Type A and Type B, with only Type B allowing nationwide travel and highway use, while Type A is restricted to local areas. When I applied at the vehicle management office, I clearly stated that it was for cross-province use, so they issued me a Type B plate valid for 15 days. No one stopped me at the highway entrance checks, but I always made sure to print the plates in advance and affix them prominently on the front and rear windows. If you exceed the validity period or don’t display them properly, the police can be a hassle during inspections, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 3 demerit points. It’s advisable to carry the car purchase invoice and insurance documents with you, so you can handle any accidents along the way. Before setting off, it’s best to check local regulations online to avoid any last-minute changes—don’t end up like my friend who realized halfway that his plate’s validity was about to expire and had to rush back. Temporary plates are fine for short trips, but don’t rely on them for too long; switching to permanent plates early saves a lot of trouble.
