Can a Temporary License Plate Be Used on Highways to Travel to Other Cities?
4 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.
As someone who frequently travels for transportation, I know it's completely legal to use temporary license plates on highways to other regions. The key is the type of plate—it must be the Class B blue temporary license plate specified by the Ministry of Public Security, with the region marked as nationwide. When applying, make sure to choose the correct type, and it's best not to exceed the 15-day validity period. I've seen many new cars using temporary plates for business trips on highways without any issues, but they must be properly installed and not obscured. Safety comes first on the road, and with limited plate information, claims may be slower in case of an accident, requiring supplementary proof of purchase. For long-term stays in other regions, it's advisable to schedule an appointment in advance to switch to permanent plates. Temporary vehicles on highways usually don't incur tolls, but keep some change handy just in case, and don't forget to display the temporary plate prominently when parking in other regions to avoid inspections. Overall, it's legally permitted but caution is advised, ensuring the plate is clear and valid is crucial.
After getting my driver's license and buying my first car, the temporary license plate allowed me to take my girlfriend on a highway test drive to another city for travel. I consulted the vehicle management office and was told that a Class B temporary plate could be used for cross-province highway driving as long as we returned within 15 days. We drove smoothly to a scenic spot 300 kilometers away. No one checked at the entrance, but we conscientiously displayed the plate. Temporary plates are convenient, but their validity period is short. For long trips, it's important to calculate the round-trip time carefully to avoid penalties for expiration. When encountering traffic police on the road, just present the vehicle license or a copy, and there shouldn't be any major issues. Overall, the experience was good, but remember: safety first, and don't exceed the speed limit.
