Can a Used Car with Temporary License Plate Undergo Annual Inspection?

[Bennett]

Temporary license plates cannot be used for vehicle inspection; only official license plates are permitted. The contents of a vehicle annual inspection include: 1. Inspection of vehicle components: Check whether the engine, chassis, body, and attached equipment are clean, complete, and functional, whether the paint is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, whether any major assemblies have been replaced, and whether they match the initial inspection records; 2. Inspection of vehicle functionality: Verify that the vehicle's braking system, steering control, lighting, exhaust, and other safety features comply with the requirements of the "Technical Conditions for Safe Operation of Motor Vehicles"; 3. Inspection for modifications: Check whether the vehicle has been modified, altered, or reconstructed, whether the registration details on the driving license, license plate, and vehicle records match the actual condition of the vehicle, and whether any changes have undergone proper approval and modification procedures.

[DiJustin]

The question of whether a temporary license plate for a used car can be used for annual inspection is quite common. A friend of mine encountered a similar situation last year when buying a used car. Temporary license plates are mainly intended for short-term use, such as driving to complete the transfer procedures or for repairs, and their validity period is usually just a few weeks. Annual inspections require a formal license plate and a complete vehicle registration certificate, as the inspection station needs to verify information such as the VIN and engine number. My advice is, don't even think about using a temporary plate for the annual inspection. Instead, hurry to the DMV to complete the used car transfer procedures and obtain a regular license plate. If you drive on the road with an expired temporary plate, you could face fines or have your vehicle impounded. After getting the formal license plate, check the annual inspection date on the vehicle registration certificate before going to the inspection station—this is the safest approach. By the way, when buying a used car, always make sure the previous owner has cleared all traffic violation records, otherwise, the transfer process could become very troublesome.