Can I install the license plate by myself?
4 Answers
You can install the license plate by yourself. The installation method is as follows: 1. After receiving the license plate, take out the license plate screws and insert them into the anti-theft caps while rotating; 2. Then, position the license plate correctly, align the screws with the four gaps on the bumper, and secure them with a cross screwdriver; 3. After tightening, cover the anti-theft caps and press them gently into place. Usually, the received license plate comes with a set of secure screws. According to relevant regulations, the vehicle license plate must be installed with 4 screws on both the front and rear, totaling 8 screw holes. The screws must be obtained from the vehicle management office and cannot be fixed with private screws. Failure to comply with the specified screw assembly regulations may result in penalties.
I also thought about installing the license plate myself when I first bought my new car. Theoretically, you can definitely screw it on yourself, but you must use the special anti-tamper screws provided by the DMV—regular screws will be considered a violation by the traffic police. A friend of mine took a shortcut and used a regular screwdriver to install it, only to fail the annual inspection and receive a 200-yuan fine. The installation position also matters: the front plate must be mounted right in the center of the front bumper, and the rear plate should be at least 30 cm off the ground. Make sure not to cover the white border around the edges of the plate. My advice is to let the DMV staff install it when you pick up your new car—they can get it done in two minutes, saving you future headaches. If the plate is crooked or loose and you get caught on the road, it’s an instant 12-point deduction from your license.
Last year, I learned a lesson the hard way when installing license plates for my brother's new car. Doing it yourself isn't impossible, but you need to prepare a specialized screwdriver and pay attention to the tilt angle of the front and rear plates, which shouldn't exceed 15 degrees. I spent half a day struggling in the garage, only to end up scratching a small piece of paint off the car with the edge of the plate—it was heartbreaking. Also, never attempt installation on rainy days. Once, I didn't tighten the screws enough, and mud seeped in, causing them to rust solid within three months. When it came time for the annual inspection, I couldn't remove them no matter what. In the end, I had to spend 50 bucks at an auto repair shop to fix it. If you're a novice looking to save trouble, just drive straight to the DMV—they'll install it for free and even check the anti-theft screws for you.
Think twice before installing license plates yourself. The one-time-use anti-theft screws with caps provided by the DMV are rendered useless if installed incorrectly. Once, I tried to adjust a misaligned plate and ended up cracking the anti-theft cap, resulting in a two-week wait for replacements. Installation position is also crucial—front and rear plates must be at the same height, especially for SUVs, as mounting them too low can lead to mud and water obscuring the plate. It's advisable to work on a flat surface, using masking tape for alignment before tightening the screws. However, the safest option is to let the DMV handle it—they can finish the job in five minutes with two electric screwdrivers and take photos for record-keeping to avoid disputes.
