Can I carry the temporary license plate for a motorcycle with me?
2 Answers
Motorcycle temporary license plates are allowed to be carried with you and do not need to be affixed to the vehicle. Relevant information about motorcycle license plates is as follows: 1. Motorcycles require license plates: Motorcycles have temporary license plates. If the selected license plate number does not have an official plate available at the time, a temporary license plate can be used while waiting for the official one to be made. If a ready-made official license plate is available after selecting the number, it can be directly mounted. 2. Motorcycle temporary license plates do not need to be affixed: Temporary license plates for new motorcycles do not need to be displayed; they can simply be carried with the vehicle. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not have a cabin where the temporary paper license plate can be placed. If affixed to the exterior of the motorcycle, the temporary paper license plate can easily be damaged. Therefore, it does not need to be displayed but should be carried with the vehicle for inspection purposes.
I've been riding motorcycles for ten years and know all about temporary license plates. Don't just carry the temporary plate in your pocket—it must be properly affixed to designated spots like the front windshield and rear taillight so traffic police can see it clearly at a glance. I once forgot to stick it on and got pulled over, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and my bike being towed. You can carry a copy, like a photocopy of the temporary plate document, along with your ID and insurance papers in a small box on the bike, just in case of inspections. In summer heat, the sticker can peel off easily, so I recommend using waterproof adhesive to secure it tightly. The validity period is usually around 30 days—make sure to get your permanent plate before it expires. Don’t overlook these details; riding at night without a visible plate makes your bike drift like a shadow, increasing accident risks. I’ve seen fellow riders lose their plates on the road, leading to a hassle of reapplying and ruining the mood. Remember: sticking it on is the rule, carrying documents is the backup, and safety comes first.