Can I Still Get License Plates If My Temporary License Has Expired?
3 Answers
After the expiration of a temporary license plate, you can still proceed to install the official license plate provided all legal procedures and documents are complete. However, during the expired period, the vehicle owner is not allowed to drive the car with the temporary license plate. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," if a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a license plate, the traffic management department of the public security authorities shall detain the vehicle and notify the party to provide the corresponding license plate. In accordance with Article 90, a fine will be imposed, and 12 demerit points will be recorded. The validity period of a temporary license plate is 15 days, and it must be replaced with an official license plate immediately upon expiration. When applying for a temporary license plate, the applicant must fill out the "Temporary Vehicle Registration Form" as required and submit the following documents: identification proofs of the vehicle owner and the agent; the vehicle's origin certificate; the full vehicle factory certificate for domestically produced vehicles or the import certificate for imported vehicles; and the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number imprint. The vehicle management office will review the submitted documents for compliance. Upon passing the safety and technical performance inspection of the vehicle, a temporary license plate will be issued, specifying the validity period and the start and end locations.
I think this issue is quite common. I also encountered the situation where my temporary license plate was about to expire when I bought my car last time. Once the temporary plate expires, the car is considered unlicensed on the road. If the police catch you, they could deduct 12 points and impose a fine of several hundred yuan. Worse still, your car might get towed, which would be a huge hassle. So never take the risk of driving it yourself to get the permanent plates. The safest approach is to first call the local vehicle management office to explain the situation. They usually allow you to make an online appointment and then arrange for a towing service to transport your car there. When getting the plates, make sure to bring all necessary documents, such as the car purchase invoice, ID card, and compulsory insurance policy. The on-site inspection is quick, and you'll get your new plates soon. Remember, don't delay this matter. Driving with an expired temporary plate not only risks fines but also means insurance won't cover any accidents. It's best to stay proactive and not wait until the last day of the temporary plate to act.
From my experience, you really shouldn't drive with an expired temporary license plate. A friend of mine tried driving a short distance to get his plates, only to be stopped by traffic police halfway, fined, and had his car impounded. Thinking about it now, an expired temporary plate means your car is unregistered - if an accident happens, you're fully liable. If you need to go get your plates, I recommend contacting the DMV directly for advice; many places offer towing service appointments to transport your car, or you can apply for a new temporary plate online. Don't forget to bring the necessary documents like ID. If you act quickly, it can be resolved within a day. Don't try to save trouble by driving yourself - the risk is too high. Spending a little money on professional towing is much safer.
