Can Temporary License Plates Be Used on Highways?
2 Answers
Temporary license plates can be used on highways. A temporary license plate is a paper motor vehicle license plate that permits temporary road use of a motor vehicle, also known as a temporary driving license plate. It refers to the temporary vehicle driving permit issued by the public security vehicle management department for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration. The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed thirty days. Temporary license plates are categorized into: temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. License plates serve as numbering and information registration for vehicles, with their primary function being to identify the vehicle's region of origin and to trace the vehicle's owner and registration details based on the license plate.
I've been driving for over ten years, and using a temporary license plate on the highway is completely fine. I remember taking several long-distance trips with a temporary plate right after picking up my new car—the toll booth just took a glance and let me pass. The key is to place it prominently on the lower right corner of the front windshield and the lower left corner of the rear windshield, making sure it's not misplaced or obscured. The validity period is usually around 15 days; once expired, it becomes invalid, and driving with it could result in fines and penalty points. When driving on the highway, obey the speed limits—don’t assume a temporary plate means you can speed recklessly. Carry your driver’s license, temporary plate certificate, and other documents for inspection, and don’t forget to check the vehicle’s safety, such as lights and tire pressure. If your car is still in the break-in period, it’s better to keep the speed under 100 km/h to avoid damaging the engine. A temporary plate is just a transitional tool for convenience before getting the official one, so handle it promptly and don’t delay.
