Can I Drive on the Road with the Front License Plate Missing but the Rear One Still Intact?
4 Answers
Driving without the front license plate while the rear one is still intact is not allowed and violates China's Road Traffic Safety Law. According to regulations: Motor vehicles driven on roads without displaying license plates, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks, or without carrying the vehicle registration certificate or driver's license, shall be detained by the traffic management department of the public security organ. The parties involved will be notified to provide the corresponding plates, certificates, or marks, or to complete the necessary procedures. Penalties may also be imposed in accordance with Article 90 of this law. Here is more information: When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle must display its license plates, inspection qualification marks, and insurance marks, and carry the vehicle registration certificate. License plates must be displayed as required, kept clear and intact, and must not be intentionally obscured or damaged. No unit or individual may confiscate or detain motor vehicle license plates.
I remember encountering a similar situation once where the front license plate was missing but the rear one was still intact. I thought about driving to get it fixed, but was stopped by traffic police right after leaving home. They warned me that both plates must be fully intact to legally drive, otherwise it's considered a violation. Traffic laws clearly require both front and rear license plates to be clearly displayed—missing even one counts as obstructing the plate, which can result in fines and penalty points for minor cases, or even vehicle impoundment for serious offenses. It's not just about the money; it affects driving safety too—you're more likely to be flagged by police, or in an accident, the other party may not remember the full plate number. My advice: park immediately and contact the local DMV or apply online for a replacement. You can bring your vehicle registration to get a temporary plate as an emergency measure. Don’t risk driving—a colleague of mine was fined 200 yuan and had points deducted on their license last time for missing a front plate. That’s a huge loss. Handling it promptly is far more hassle-free.
From a driving safety perspective, it's absolutely unacceptable to drive without a front license plate while the rear one remains. This is a serious matter. With years of driving experience, I know that incomplete plates are instantly recognizable to police and will result in vehicle impoundment. Legally, this constitutes invalid vehicle identification, increasing risks like rear-end collisions or fraud attempts. For instance, at night without a front plate and poor lighting, other drivers can't see your identification clearly, raising accident risks. The solution is simple: stop driving immediately, contact your insurance or a repair shop for temporary fixes, but ideally avoid driving altogether. Quickly visit the traffic police station to apply for plate replacement—spending a small fee for an official replacement ensures peace of mind. Remember, loose plate screws often cause losses; regular maintenance checks on fasteners can prevent this. Developing good habits saves trouble.
My friend's front license plate fell off while the rear one was still intact. He insisted on driving to work and got pulled over by a patrol officer halfway, receiving a bunch of tickets. He felt terrible and had to spend half a day queuing at the DMV to get a replacement. Simply put, both front and rear license plates must be present for legal driving—missing either one is a violation and may result in vehicle impoundment. Nowadays, online services are convenient; you can apply for a replacement plate via a mobile app without delay. Safety first—don't take risks.
