Can Temporary License Plates Be Used in Other Provinces?
4 Answers
Temporary license plates are divided into two types. The temporary plates for administrative regions cannot be used outside the province, while the temporary plates for cross-administrative regions can be used in other provinces. The main differences between the two types are: 1. Temporary plates for administrative regions (sky blue background with black characters and black borders): Vehicles with these plates are only allowed to drive within the administrative region and cannot leave the province. The validity period is 15 days. 2. Temporary plates for cross-administrative regions (brown-yellow background with black characters and black borders): Only vehicles with these plates can drive outside the province. The validity period is 30 days. Notes on temporary plates: 1. Placement: Temporary plates usually come in two copies. One should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield without obstructing the driver's view, and the other should be placed on the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. 2. Usage requirements: Temporary plates do not mean they can be used freely. Like regular license plates, temporary plates are also subject to traffic laws and regulations.
When I first bought my car, I also struggled with this issue—whether a temporary license plate allows travel to other provinces actually depends on the type. Mine was an inter-provincial temporary plate, so I drove directly to a neighboring province for a trip after picking up the car. There are two types of temporary plates: local and inter-provincial. The local type only permits driving around the city, while the inter-provincial type allows cross-province travel. The validity period is usually 30 days, so make sure to check the dates to avoid expiration. Before heading out, I always check the plate and bring my vehicle license and insurance documents. If I suddenly decide to take a long trip, I go to the DMV in advance to switch to the inter-provincial version—the cost is low, and it saves me from being fined or penalized on the road. In short, if you plan to travel out of province, you must use the appropriate temporary plate, or you might get stopped midway and waste time.
When selling cars, customers often ask about temporary license plates for out-of-province travel. Simply put, it depends on the type of temporary plate: local temporary plates are only valid within the city or province, while inter-province temporary plates allow travel to other provinces. Choosing the right type when applying for a temporary plate is crucial—using a local plate for long-distance travel is a violation. I remind customers to check if the validity period is sufficient before traveling and to bring all necessary documents. Inter-province transportation for new cars is common, and as long as the temporary plate is the inter-province version, there’s no issue. If caught mistakenly using a local temporary plate, fines and points are minor concerns compared to the hassle of getting towed. So, plan your trip and apply for the appropriate temporary plate when purchasing the car.
Years of experience with temporary license plates show that you can drive to other provinces, but you must have the matching type. Local temporary plates are for nearby driving only, while inter-provincial temporary plates are for long-distance travel. The validity period is short, so check before your trip. To save money, don't risk using local plates out of province—getting fined isn't worth it. Choosing the right type makes things much easier.
