Can Car License Plates Be Retained When Changing Vehicles?
2 Answers
After the implementation of the new license plate regulations, whether buying a new car or a used one, you can retain the original license plate as long as three conditions are met simultaneously. 1. Timely application. Within one year after transferring the old car to someone else or canceling its registration, the original license plate is reserved for the owner. As long as you apply to the vehicle management office to use the original license plate during this period, you can have it assigned to the newly purchased car or used car. After one year, the license plate will be returned to the selection pool and made available to the public. 2. The original license plate must have been used for more than one year. 3. All violations and accidents related to the original vehicle must be resolved. If there were any road violations or fines incurred while driving the original vehicle, all penalties must be paid, and there should be no unresolved traffic accidents, before applying to retain the original license plate number.
When I last changed my car, I kept the license plate, which felt quite convenient. The policy allows for license plate retention, provided the plate has been used for over a year and the owner has only one vehicle under their name. The process is simple: when selling the old car, apply to the vehicle management office to retain the license plate, requiring just your ID and the vehicle registration certificate. Then, after purchasing a new car, apply to have the original plate transferred to the new vehicle. This avoids the hassle of selecting a new number and allows you to continue using a familiar plate. However, it's important to note that unresolved issues with the old car, such as outstanding traffic violations, can affect retention. I've also heard of friends being denied because their plate hadn't been used for a full year, so checking the details beforehand is crucial. Retaining a license plate isn't just about saving money—it can also hold sentimental value, especially if the plate has been used for a long time and feels familiar. In short, retaining a license plate when changing cars is feasible, but it depends on the specific circumstances.
