Can I Replace Just One License Plate?
2 Answers
License plates cannot be replaced individually. If a vehicle's license plate is lost due to certain special circumstances, even if the other plate remains intact, two new plates must be replaced; it is not possible to replace just one plate separately. Below are the specific details: Reasons why one plate cannot be replaced individually: The Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates that motor vehicles driven on the road without displaying license plates, intentionally obscuring, damaging, or failing to install license plates in accordance with regulations will result in a 12-point penalty. When replacing a license plate, the other undamaged plate must also be surrendered because both front and rear plates use the same anti-counterfeiting code. If only one plate is replaced, the front and rear plates will have different anti-counterfeiting codes. Therefore, even if only one plate is lost, the vehicle management department will reissue two new plates. Procedures for handling lost license plates: According to relevant regulations, if a vehicle's front license plate is lost, the owner should immediately go to the traffic and vehicle management department to apply for a replacement. Following the relevant procedures for replacement is not time-consuming or labor-intensive, and the vehicle management department will issue a temporary license plate, allowing the vehicle to be driven normally. If the owner knowingly fails to replace the lost front plate promptly and does not display a temporary license plate as required, the vehicle cannot be driven legally on the road. If caught by traffic police, the owner may face fines and a 12-point penalty.
My car has been used for many years, and it is possible to replace a lost license plate. I remember that after a heavy rain two years ago, my license plate was washed away. I immediately went to the police station to report the loss and register it to prevent it from being picked up by someone else for malicious purposes. Then, I took my original ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the DMV to fill out an application form, paid a fee of about 100 yuan, and got a new license plate the same day. The whole process was quite smooth, but I want to remind everyone to regularly check if the license plate screws are loose, especially for older car models that are prone to rust. The license plate is the vehicle's identity proof. If it's lost and not replaced, it could lead to traffic police inspections or fines, and in severe cases, the plate could be stolen and used in accidents, which would cause big trouble.
