Can a temporary license plate be used out of province? Will it be fined?
3 Answers
Only cross-jurisdictional temporary license plates can be used out of province. When applying for a temporary license plate, it is essential to choose the appropriate type based on your needs. If you plan to travel out of the province, you must apply for a cross-administrative jurisdiction temporary license plate. If you are found using the wrong type of temporary license plate, according to Article 90 of the regulations, you will be fined and receive 12 penalty points. Below are the two types of temporary license plates: Administrative jurisdiction temporary license plate (light blue background with black characters and black borders): Also known as the urban temporary license plate, vehicles with this type of plate are only allowed to operate within the jurisdiction and cannot leave the province. The validity period of this temporary plate is 15 days. Cross-administrative jurisdiction temporary license plate (brown-yellow background with black characters and black borders): Also known as the national temporary license plate, only vehicles with this type of plate are permitted to operate out of the province. The validity period of this temporary plate is 30 days.
I've also experienced the dilemma of wanting to drive out of province after buying a car. Temporary license plates can indeed be used for out-of-province travel, but the key lies in the type: there are local temporary plates and inter-provincial temporary plates. Local temporary plates can only be used within the city where the vehicle is registered. If you drive out of province, the traffic police will definitely fine you 200 yuan if caught, and may even impound your vehicle, which is really not worth it. Last time, I used a local temporary plate to drive from Shenzhen to Guangzhou and got caught halfway, suffering the consequences. Inter-provincial temporary plates, however, allow for out-of-province and long-distance travel, with no issues nationwide, as long as you've completed the proper procedures and affixed them correctly. I recommend opting directly for the inter-provincial version when applying for temporary plates. It only costs a few dozen yuan more, and the validity period is sufficient, making out-of-town travel worry-free. Additionally, highway toll booths conduct strict checks, so don't take chances. Bring your ID and vehicle purchase documents, get everything in order, and you can hit the road with peace of mind.
When I first bought my new car, I was also worried about whether a temporary license plate could be used to drive to another province. Temporary license plates can indeed be used across provinces, but you must use the inter-provincial type. If you have a local temporary plate limited to city driving and you cross provincial borders, you will inevitably face a 200 yuan fine, not to mention the hassle of delaying your trip. I personally used an inter-provincial temporary plate when traveling to a neighboring province, and it was smooth sailing all the way. The process is simple: go to the vehicle management office, present your car purchase invoice and personal ID, select the inter-provincial option, pay the fee, and get your plate. Just make sure to attach it properly without obstructing your view, and don’t let it expire while you’re out of the province to avoid any risks. On the way back, I saw someone who used a local temporary plate get fined—they deeply regretted it, and it was a lesson worth heeding. In short, prepare in advance, don’t be lazy, avoid fines, and prioritize safety.
