Can Old License Plates Be Used on Second-hand Cars?
2 Answers
Old license plates can be used on second-hand cars, and the following are the relevant laws: 1. The license plate must have been used on the original vehicle for at least one year. 2. The application to retain the original license plate must be submitted within one year after the vehicle transfer or deregistration (the retention period is only one year). 3. All traffic violations and accidents involving the original vehicle must be resolved. 4. The original license plate can only be retained and used by the original owner, and it can be used on either a new car or a second-hand car. Additional information: The three conditions for retaining a license plate are: (1) The application must be submitted within six months after the transfer or deregistration. (2) The vehicle owner must have owned the original vehicle for at least three years. (3) All traffic safety violations and accidents involving the original vehicle must be resolved. The original license plate is managed by the vehicle management office. As long as the vehicle owner meets the above three conditions, they can successfully retain the old license plate and use it on a newly purchased vehicle. Consumers are reminded that the retained license plate can only be used on a new car; if the owner purchases a second-hand car, they cannot continue to use the old license plate.
I recently helped a friend with a used car transaction. Regarding whether an old license plate can be used on a used car, it depends on the specific situation. Generally speaking, an old license plate refers to the original license plate number owned by the car owner, but according to regulations, the license plate number follows the car, not the person. This means that during the transfer process of buying a used car, you cannot directly attach your old license plate to the used car. Instead, the original license plate of the vehicle may be retained with the car, or you may need to apply for a new license plate. In practice, if you sell your old car, the license plate number is usually canceled unless you apply to retain the license plate (which requires meeting conditions such as having used it for at least one year). However, the retained license plate can only be used on a new car, not a used one. When purchasing a used car, the vehicle management office will require you to complete the transfer procedures, inheriting the original license plate or selecting a new one, ensuring legality and safety. The process of registering a used car involves steps such as updating insurance and paying taxes. It is advisable to consult the local vehicle management office before purchasing, prepare the necessary documents in advance, and avoid delays. From my experience, don’t try to cut corners by using an old license plate directly, as it may result in fines or affect the annual inspection.
