Can Temporary License Plates Still Be Used After Official Plates Are Issued?
3 Answers
Official license plates can still be used as long as they have not expired after being issued. Below is an introduction regarding vehicle license plates: 1. Documents required for applying for temporary plates: Identification documents of the vehicle owner and the agent; vehicle registration certificate; certificate of conformity for domestically produced vehicles and import certificate for imported vehicles; rubbing of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number. 2. Definition of temporary license plates: Temporary license plates are provisional vehicle driving permits issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau when a vehicle owner purchases a new car but has not yet officially registered it. They are applicable during the period before the official license plates are obtained, and the validity period of temporary plates is generally 30 days.
I've been driving for decades since learning, and this is a very practical issue. Once the official license plate is issued, the temporary plate can no longer be used because it has a clear validity period, usually 15 to 30 days. As soon as you receive the official plate from the DMV, the temporary plate automatically becomes invalid. I've personally seen a friend who thought they could still get away with it, only to be caught by traffic police, resulting in a 200-yuan fine plus points deducted, and almost having their car towed. The key is to avoid taking chances and replace it with the official plate promptly—it's both safe and compliant. Temporary plates are designed for the transition period during new car sales or registration, and should be removed once this period ends. I recommend everyone replace it on the same day they receive the official plate without hesitation—this saves hassle and money, avoiding unnecessary trouble. Also, remember to take photos for documentation in case of disputes.
As a new driver, I just went through this process. After getting the official license plate, the temporary one becomes invalid as it has an expiration date, usually valid for a month. Once that period is over or you receive the new plate, the old one is no longer valid. I immediately replaced mine when I got the new plate—it feels more secure and saves me from worrying on the road. If you don’t switch, the police may issue a fine, and it could even affect insurance claims. The process is actually simple; you can do it yourself with a screwdriver—just tighten the screws, and it only takes a few minutes. Don’t be like my neighbor, who procrastinated and ended up getting fined 300 yuan a few days later—what a waste! Developing good habits is crucial; handling it early ensures smoother trips.
