Can a Temporary License Plate Be Used on the Highway?
4 Answers
Vehicles with temporary license plates can be driven on highways as long as the vehicle is still within the validity period. However, it is necessary to carry all relevant documents, such as the certificate of conformity, invoice, and proof of insurance purchase. Precautions for driving on highways: Do not occupy the emergency lane without reason: The emergency lane is only for use in emergencies. Unjustified occupation of the emergency lane may result in a fine and a deduction of 6 points. During traffic jams on the highway, the emergency lane serves as a rescue lane and is the only passage for emergency vehicles. Therefore, do not occupy it for convenience. If you must stop due to special circumstances, promptly turn on the hazard lights and place a triangular warning sign 50 meters behind the vehicle. Make slight adjustments to the steering wheel: When driving on the highway, avoid making large steering adjustments. Always keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, and only make minor adjustments when avoiding obstacles. Do not occupy the overtaking lane for extended periods: The overtaking lane is usually the leftmost lane. New vehicles on the highway often do not reach high speeds quickly, so it is best to drive in the normal driving lane and avoid staying in the overtaking lane for too long. Change only one lane at a time: When driving at high speeds, due to the faster pace, novice drivers may misjudge the distance of vehicles behind them. Changing two lanes consecutively requires more time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Turn on low beams when entering a tunnel: Before entering a highway tunnel, pay attention to the roadside warning signs, which usually remind drivers to turn on their headlights. Although traffic regulations clearly state that vehicles should turn on low beams upon entering a tunnel.
I just bought a new car and used a temporary license plate to go on a highway trip. It's indeed allowed to drive on the highway as long as that small plate is still within its validity period. The validity period usually ranges from 7 to 30 days, depending on the type you applied for. When I drove long-distance, I stuck it firmly on the lower right corner of the front windshield. Remember not to let it expire, otherwise, it counts as driving without a license plate, with fines of several hundred yuan or even points deducted—the police are strict about this. Also, the wind is strong on the highway, so I used strong tape to secure it to prevent it from flying off. Safety-wise, obey the speed limits—don’t think you can speed freely just because it’s a temporary plate; traffic cameras will still catch violations. Don’t delay the formal license plate procedures; start processing it a week in advance. On the highway, carry your full driver’s license and insurance proof so you can drive with peace of mind and legally.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I can confirm that temporary license plates are perfectly acceptable for highway use. The key is ensuring their validity period covers your trip, properly affixing them to the front and rear windshields without obstructing visibility. A friend of mine once got fined because his temporary plate flew off on the highway due to improper installation - definitely not worth it. For short-term local temporary plates (e.g., 7-day validity), I'd advise against long-distance travel to avoid expiration risks. Since highway speeds make temporary plates harder to identify, maintain steady speeds and avoid violations - surveillance systems can scan them. Some cross-province temporary plates are particularly convenient, but make sure to select the correct type during application. In summary, legal usage is fine, but safe driving is paramount - always carry proper documents for potential inspections.
When I was younger, I often drove on highways using temporary license plates. The rules haven't changed now, and it's still allowed. As long as that paper plate is within its validity period and firmly attached without falling off, driving hundreds of kilometers on highways is no problem. Don't overlook the duration of validity, usually around 20 days. Get your formal plates in advance to avoid trouble. Driving on highways with expired plates is a big issue, with high fines and possible vehicle impoundment. Follow the rules while driving, and be careful not to let strong winds blow the plate off. Carry your driver's license and insurance policy to make things smoother if the police check. Simply put, temporary plates are designed for your vehicle use, and highways are no exception, but drive responsibly.
