Can the Temporary License Plate Still Be Used After Receiving the Metal Plate?

[VonMarcus]

Temporary license plates cannot continue to be used after receiving the metal plate. According to relevant regulations, temporary plates are only for temporary use before the metal plates are produced, with a validity period of 15 days. Once the metal plate is issued, the temporary plate becomes invalid. Therefore, to avoid penalties, the metal plate should be installed on the vehicle immediately upon receipt. The metal plate refers to the vehicle license plate, typically mounted on the front and rear bumpers of the car. For some models, the rear plate may be attached to the trunk. Vehicle license plates are primarily made of metal and serve as the vehicle's unique identification, akin to an ID card. License plates usually consist of a combination of English letters and numbers, totaling five characters, and can be used to look up the vehicle's registration details and regional information.

[McHannah]

As a car enthusiast, I often participate in car club activities, and during casual chats, everyone mentions that once the metal license plate is issued, the temporary plate can no longer be used. I remember when I bought my new car, after the DMV mailed the metal plate, the salesperson specifically called to remind me to replace it immediately and not to continue using the temporary plate on the road. The reason is simple: temporary plates are transitional and only valid when there is no official plate; once the metal plate is received, it automatically becomes invalid. If you delay the replacement, the traffic police may consider it as driving without a license plate, imposing a fine of 200-500 yuan or even deducting points. Worse, in case of an accident, if the insurance company finds a mismatch in the plates, the claim settlement may be delayed or reduced. Therefore, it is recommended that car owners develop a good habit of installing the new plate immediately upon receipt to avoid unnecessary trouble and risks. This ensures safe and legal driving and provides peace of mind. I always remember a friend who was too lazy to replace it and got fined the next day—what a waste! Better to act quickly and replace it for peace of mind.

[McKaylee]

I've repaired many cars and seen numerous similar cases. Once the metal license plate arrives, the temporary plate must be removed and can no longer be used. The reason is that the temporary plate is a provisional permit, valid only until the new plate arrives; the issuance of the metal plate signifies that the official license is now in effect, and continuing to use the temporary plate would be a violation. You might face penalties from traffic police, such as being pulled over for a fine or having your vehicle impounded. Handling it is simple: just use a wrench to install the metal plate yourself, or if you're unsure, bring it to me to check if it's securely fastened. Additionally, note that even if the temporary plate still has a few days left before expiration, you must stop using it and switch to the metal plate. This is crucial for accurate vehicle identification and to avoid disputes after accidents. It's advisable not to delay—replace it immediately upon receipt to save time and effort.

[LaElle]

I was also worried about this issue when I first started driving. I asked a car-savvy friend, and he said that once the metal license plate is issued, the temporary plate becomes invalid and can no longer be used on the car. The reason is simple: temporary plates are just provisional, and once you receive the official plate, they serve no purpose. I remember after picking up my first car, I immediately replaced the temporary plate with the metal one as soon as I received it, fearing any issues. If you don’t replace it, you could be fined—traffic police might impose a 200-yuan penalty if caught. I recommend new car owners not to take the risk. Once you get the metal plate, just park and install the new one properly. It’s simple and easy to do, ensuring a more worry-free driving experience.