Can Temporary Vehicle License Plates Be Used Across Cities?
3 Answers
Car temporary license plates can be used across cities. Below is a detailed introduction to temporary license plates: 1. Concept: 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 a temporary vehicle driving certificate issued by the public security vehicle management department before a newly purchased vehicle is officially registered. 2. Validity Period: The validity period will be marked on the temporary license plate, which can be 15, 30, or 90 days. The temporary license plate must be used within the validity period. If the official license plate is not obtained after the expiration of the validity period, a new application must be submitted, but the number of applications cannot exceed three times. 3. Placement Method: If there is one temporary license plate, it should be placed at the lower left or right corner of the front windshield, where it does not obstruct the driver's view. If there are two temporary license plates, one should be placed on the front windshield, and the other should be placed at the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle.
I remember encountering this issue when I bought a new car last year. I was in a hurry to visit my hometown, and the new car didn’t have a formal license plate yet, so I used a temporary one. I specifically asked the 4S store staff, and they said most temporary plates allow intercity travel, but it depends on the type—if it’s a local temporary plate (limited to the city), driving to another region without permission might get you stopped and fined by the police. If it’s an inter-district temporary plate, you can drive within or outside the province, usually valid for about 30 days. Back then, I drove with the temporary plate on a highway to a neighboring province without issues, but I was still nervous. Later, I checked and learned that temporary plates are meant to help car owners during the transition period, but they must be properly affixed to the front windshield, or you could face trouble during inspections. Insurance must also be in order, as any accidents could complicate paperwork. Overall, intercity travel is possible, but only if the temporary plate type is correct. I recommend confirming the details with the 4S store when buying a car to avoid trouble, delays, or extra costs.
In my auto repair work, I often encounter questions about temporary license plates, with car owners frequently asking if they can drive across cities. To be honest, most temporary plates allow for intercity travel, but it's crucial to distinguish between local temporary plates and nationwide ones. The former is usually restricted to the city, while the latter offers broader coverage, even across provinces. I remind everyone that temporary plates have a very short validity period, typically up to around 30 days. Driving beyond this period is a violation, and highway patrol officers are particularly vigilant about such vehicles, making it easy to get a ticket. During the temporary plate period, insurance coverage is the same as with regular plates, but claim processing is slower, which can be inconvenient. I believe the best approach is to directly ask the traffic authorities about the restrictions when obtaining a temporary plate—don't make assumptions. Some people think all temporary plates allow unrestricted travel and end up in trouble. It's advisable to switch to a regular plate as soon as possible to avoid the stress and safety concerns of long-distance driving.
