Can Temporary License Plates Still Be Used After the Official Metal Plates Are Issued for a New Car?
4 Answers
After the official metal plates are issued for a new car, the temporary license plates can still be used. Temporary license plates can be categorized into: 1. Temporary plates for use within the administrative jurisdiction; 2. Temporary plates for use across administrative jurisdictions; 3. Temporary plates for testing purposes; 4. Temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. Temporary license plates are paper-based motor vehicle plates that permit temporary road use of the vehicle, also known as temporary vehicle plates. Conditions for applying for temporary license plates include: 1. Driving the vehicle from the place of purchase to the place of use; 2. Vehicle transfer, with official plates already surrendered; 3. New cars in the local area that have not yet obtained official plates and need to be driven elsewhere for modifications; 4. Purchasing a car locally and driving it to another region; 5. Needing temporary use before the vehicle registration is finalized.
When I first bought my car, I also hesitated about whether to change the license plate. Temporary plates are indeed convenient, but once the metal plates arrive, they must be installed immediately. I remember one time I drove for a few days with the temporary plates after the metal ones had arrived, and I was pulled over by traffic police for an inspection. After explaining for a long time, I still got a 200-yuan fine. From then on, I learned my lesson—once the temporary plates expire, they can no longer be used, especially after the official metal plates arrive, as they become invalid. Continuing to use them not only carries a high risk of fines but also might lead to insurance companies refusing claims in case of an accident, as invalid documents make you non-compliant. Safety first! Now, every time I receive the metal plates for a new car, I make time to install them immediately and ensure they are securely fixed before hitting the road. Don’t overlook this small matter—it saves you from future trouble and wasted money.
Anyone who has dealt with vehicle matters knows that temporary license plates must not be used once the official metal plates are issued. Temporary plates are emergency documents that become invalid as soon as the official plates are issued. Legally, vehicle owners are required to replace them promptly; otherwise, it constitutes a traffic violation, which may result in fines of several hundred yuan or even penalty points. Worse yet, in the event of an accident, insurance companies have grounds to deny claims due to invalid plates, leading to greater losses. I recommend that owners install the metal plates immediately upon receipt at the DMV or relevant agencies, while also verifying the information on the vehicle registration to avoid errors. Complying with this not only demonstrates responsibility but also ensures the safety of oneself and others on the road. Don’t risk major consequences for minor negligence and avoid unnecessary legal liabilities.
If you think about saving trouble and continue using temporary license plates, it will add financial burden to yourself. After the metal plates are issued, the temporary license plates will expire and become invalid. Using them when going out can easily lead to inspections and fines, such as two or three hundred yuan. In case of a car accident, if the insurance company finds the license plate invalid, they may not cover the repair costs, which would be a huge loss. It's most cost-effective to replace them with metal plates as soon as possible. Installation usually doesn't take time and is free. Remember, don't pay unnecessary money just because you're too lazy to save trouble.
