Can I drive with an expired temporary license plate?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates cannot be used after they expire. The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed thirty days, and there are roughly four types: temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. New cars must not use temporary license plates for more than 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for a formal license plate. A temporary license plate for a car is a temporary vehicle driving certificate issued by the public security vehicle management department before the car is officially registered due to the processing of certain procedures. Before obtaining a formal license plate, it is necessary to apply for a temporary motor vehicle license plate in accordance with regulations to drive on the road. Two temporary license plates should be affixed simultaneously: one should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the car in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view, and the other should be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the car.
I've driven many cars and know a lot of people are curious about whether they can drive with an expired temporary license plate. Absolutely not! Once a temporary license plate expires, it loses its legal validity, and driving on the road is equivalent to driving without a license. If the police catch you, you'll definitely face fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan, and you might even have your car towed or receive penalty points. What's even more dangerous is that if an accident occurs, the insurance company will likely refuse to compensate because the insurance terms require the vehicle to be legally driven. A friend of mine was in a hurry and tried driving once with an expired plate, got caught by a traffic camera, and ended up paying a fine—regretting it deeply. To stay safe and avoid trouble, it's best to go to the DMV to renew the temporary plate before it expires. Bring your driver's license and ID—the process is quick. If it does expire, don't drive the car; take a taxi or public transport to handle the matter instead. Following traffic rules not only avoids trouble but also protects yourself and others. Make it a habit to set a reminder on your phone for the expiration date and keep these details updated in time. Driving should be enjoyable—don't let carelessness ruin the experience.
