Can the 3 temporary license plates be used non-consecutively?

[VanJoshua]

3 temporary license plates can be used non-consecutively. However, each new car can only apply for temporary license plates 3 times, and no more applications are allowed after exceeding this limit. Legal provisions: The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" clearly stipulates that vehicles driving on the road must display license plates as required, and failure to do so will result in penalties. However, before obtaining formal license plates, it is mandatory to apply for temporary motor vehicle license plates in accordance with regulations to legally drive on the road. Validity period of temporary license plates: New cars must not use temporary license plates for more than 15 days, and owners should promptly apply for formal license plates from the vehicle management authority. Driving without license plates will lead to the vehicle being impounded by public security traffic management departments, fines, and a deduction of 12 points.

[Jose]

An old friend of mine often buys used cars and uses temporary license plates as a transition for each vehicle. He mentioned that the three temporary plates don't have to be used consecutively—you can have a gap of a few days in between before renewing, as long as it's within the overall validity period. Temporary plates are, as the name suggests, provisional license plates, usually allowed by the DMV to be used three times, each for a certain period, giving you flexibility in scheduling. But be careful not to let them expire—I’ve seen people forget to renew and end up fined by traffic police, then having to reapply. Enforcement is strict now—driving with an expired plate counts as unlicensed driving, which carries serious consequences. The DMV has an online platform where you can check the validity period and remaining uses in advance to avoid hassle. Remember, temporary plates are mainly for new cars or vehicles in transition—don’t rely on them for too long. Get your permanent plates as soon as possible—safety first.

[LeDerek]

Whether temporary license plates can be used non-consecutively depends on local regulations. Management varies across cities—some allow three interruptions with renewals, while others require continuous usage. Temporary plates are designed for transitional convenience, like when buying a new car or handling transfers, with three uses being a common setup. I recommend calling your local traffic bureau instead of guessing. A neighbor once drove without renewing their temp plate and got fined with penalty points. Don’t slack—timely renewal is cheap, usually just tens of yuan. Many DMV apps now handle renewals, saving you a trip and offering flexible time slots. Play it safe to avoid unnecessary trouble.

[LeMackenzie]

When I first started driving, I didn't understand temporary license plates either. Temporary plates are provisional vehicle registration plates, used up to three times during new or used car transactions. The key point is they don't need to be used consecutively - you can take breaks in between as long as you don't exceed the validity period. For example, using it for a week, taking a few days off, then using it again is fine. But there's a limit - after three uses, you should get regular plates. Why this design? I think it's because the DMV wants to control the transition period and prevent abuse. When using them, always check the expiration date printed on your temporary plate - driving with expired plates could get your car impounded. Simple advice: handle it on time, don't delay.