Can I Apply for a Temporary Car License Plate on Weekends?
2 Answers
Whether you can apply for a temporary car license plate on weekends depends on the method you choose. If you go to the vehicle management office, it is not possible because the office is closed on weekends. However, if you apply through the 12123 APP, it is possible, but the delivery of the license plate by courier will take some time. When a car owner purchases a new car and needs to apply for a temporary license plate, they can use the following methods: 1. You can directly ask the 4S store staff to help with the application. Since the implementation of the "simplified administration and better services" policy, car buyers no longer need to go to the vehicle management office to apply for a temporary license plate. They can complete the procedures and receive the temporary license plate directly at the 4S store. 2. If you go to the vehicle management office, you can go directly to the office window to apply. Fill out the application form, submit the owner's ID card, vehicle certificate, purchase invoice, and compulsory traffic insurance certificate. After review, pay the processing fee, and then you can receive the temporary license plate. 3. You can also apply online by registering and logging into the "Traffic Management 12123" app, then navigate to [Motor Vehicle Services] - [Apply for a New Car Temporary License Plate] - [Upload Relevant Materials] - [Fill in Vehicle Information] - [Submit Application]. According to the relevant provisions of the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if a motor vehicle is driven without a license plate, once discovered, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the vehicle and notify the party to provide the corresponding license plate. According to Article 90, a fine of 200 yuan and 12 demerit points will be imposed. In addition, if a new car without a temporary license plate is involved in a traffic accident, the insurance company has the right to refuse compensation, and all losses caused by the accident must be borne by the car owner.
I encountered this issue when I bought my car. I excitedly went to the vehicle management office on a weekend to get a temporary license plate, only to find it closed. Later, I asked the 4S dealership where I bought the car, and they told me that vehicle management offices generally follow national statutory holidays and don't operate on Saturdays and Sundays. However, in some big cities, they open for half a day on Saturday mornings to make it more convenient for residents. Unfortunately, smaller towns like ours don't have this privilege, so you have to take time off work on weekdays to go. In my opinion, the easiest way is to have the 4S dealership handle it a few days in advance. They have good connections with the vehicle management office and can use internal channels, which is much faster than going yourself. This way, you can get the temporary plate on the day you pick up the car and drive off. Remember, temporary plates have an expiry date, usually 30 days, so you need to get the official license plate within that period.
