Can I continue using temporary license plates after receiving the official ones?
4 Answers
Theoretically, temporary license plates become invalid once the official ones are issued. Here's some knowledge about applying for temporary license plates: Application method: The vehicle owner only needs to bring their ID card, car purchase invoice, compulsory traffic insurance policy (copy), original vehicle manufacturing qualification certificate and its photocopy, then go to the DMV window to apply for temporary license plates. After filling out and submitting the application form along with relevant materials, and passing the review, they can pay a 5-yuan processing fee to obtain temporary license plates. Definition of temporary license plates: Paper motor vehicle license plates that allow temporary road use, also known as temporary driving license plates. These are temporary vehicle driving certificates issued by the vehicle management department for newly purchased vehicles before official registration.
I remember it was quite convenient to use temporary license plates when I first got my new car. However, when the official plates arrived, I kept using the temporary ones for a few more days out of convenience. Within a week, I was stopped by traffic police and fined 200 yuan. That’s when I learned that temporary plates are purely transitional—once the official plates arrive, they must be replaced immediately, or it’s considered illegal. Looking back, it wasn’t worth it—not just the fine, but potential points deduction that could affect annual inspections. My advice: don’t delay. Install the official plates at the DMV on the same day you receive them. Temporary plates are usually valid for only half a month to a month, and exceeding this period or failing to replace them promptly might lead to insurance companies denying claims for accident damages. Replace them ASAP for peace of mind and to avoid being mistaken for an unregistered car when parking!
As a new car owner, when I first got my new car, the 4S dealership gave me a temporary license plate. A month later, the official plate was mailed to my home, and I wondered if I could keep using the temporary plate for a few more days to avoid the hassle of installing the official one. Later, after consulting experienced drivers, I learned that temporary plates are designed for legal road use during the registration period. Once the official plate is available, it must be replaced immediately, otherwise it's considered illegal driving. According to traffic regulations, the risks are significant: at best, a fine and points deducted; at worst, the car could be towed. Now I've developed the habit of driving straight to the service station to get the plate installed in just 10 minutes as soon as I receive it—peace of mind and safety. Temporary plates may be convenient, but don't take chances when it's time to switch!
As a long-time professional in vehicle services, I fully understand that temporary license plates are meant for transitional use only. Once the official plates arrive, the owner must immediately install the new plates and can no longer rely on the temporary ones. The reasons are straightforward: temporary plates have a short validity period and automatically become invalid once the official plates are issued. Delaying the replacement may lead to traffic violations such as driving without valid plates, with fines potentially exceeding 200 yuan. In severe cases, insurance companies may deny accident claims due to invalid plates. Technically speaking, temporary plates are designed to prevent illegal road use, so they must be replaced as soon as the official plates arrive. I recommend scheduling an appointment with the DMV for plate replacement right away!
