Can temporary license plates be used for driving in the city?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates can be used for driving in the city. They are paper motor vehicle license plates issued for temporary road use, also known as temporary driving license plates. These are temporary vehicle driving permits issued by the public security vehicle management department for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration, with a validity period generally not exceeding thirty days. License plates, commonly referred to as vehicle plates, are panels hung on the front and rear of a vehicle, usually made of aluminum, sheet iron, plastic, or paper, inscribed with the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information. License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles, primarily enabling identification of the vehicle's region of registration and facilitating access to the vehicle's owner and registration details through the license plate number.
When I bought a car before, I also used temporary license plates and felt it was fine to drive in the city. The salesperson told me that temporary plates are usually valid for 15 or 30 days, and you can drive as long as they're properly displayed. I remember on the day I picked up the new car, I drove straight from the dealership back home in the city, and even encountered traffic police without any issues. But you have to be careful not to exceed the time limit—once it expires or if you drive too far out of the city, you might get fined. My neighbor once forgot to replace the plates and ended up being stopped and fined at the highway entrance. Temporary plates are designed for commuting during the transition period, like going to work or grocery shopping, which is very convenient. However, you must follow all traffic rules when driving, don’t speed, and always prioritize safety.
