Can Temporary License Plates Be Used for Driving Within the Province?
4 Answers
Temporary license plates can be used for driving within the province, provided that they are the brown-yellow background with black characters and black borders, which allow for inter-city travel. If the temporary license plate has a sky-blue background with black characters and black borders, it is only valid for driving within the city limits. Blue temporary plates can be used on highways but are restricted to highways within the city. The paper license plate that permits temporary road use, also known as a temporary vehicle license plate, is issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before official registration. The validity period of temporary license plates is usually no more than thirty days. There are four types: temporary license plates for administrative districts, temporary license plates for cross-administrative districts, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles.
After buying my car last year, I used a temporary license plate. The salesperson explained in detail that there are two types: one is a local temporary license plate, which can only be used within the city where the car was purchased, and the other is an inter-provincial temporary license plate, which allows driving within the province or even across provinces. I chose the inter-provincial one and drove it to a neighboring city without any issues. However, you must pay attention to the expiration date on the license plate, usually 15 to 30 days, as exceeding it or using it in the wrong area can result in fines from traffic police. When driving within the province, I recommend carrying the vehicle invoice and ID card for possible checks. Overall, as long as you have the right type of temporary license plate, driving freely within the province is not a problem. Remember, if you're unsure, go to the local DMV to clarify and don't make assumptions.
I think whether a temporary license plate allows driving within the province mainly depends on the nature of the plate. The inter-provincial temporary license plate is specifically designed for vehicle transfers within or across provinces, granting road access; it enables the owner to drive anywhere within the province. However, the local temporary license plate is restricted to a single city and can't cross boundaries. These details are clearly stated on the license plate application form. I've studied traffic regulations—driving beyond the designated area could result in a fine of several hundred yuan and penalty points. So, before hitting the road, confirming the applicable scope of the license plate is the safest bet to avoid unnecessary trouble.
I have to say that temporary license plates depend on the situation. If it's the type used within the city, going to other cities might be against the rules. My neighbor once bought a car and used a temporary plate, only driving around the city; if he wanted to go elsewhere, he had to switch to a formal one. When applying, make sure to check the type of plate clearly—don’t be careless, or you might face fines or even have your car impounded. It’s always safest to clarify the rules first.
