Can two vehicles under the same owner swap license plates?
4 Answers
Two vehicles under the same owner can swap license plates, but certain conditions must be met. The specific conditions are as follows: Owner and vehicle classification: To swap license plates between different vehicles under the same owner, the owner must be the same person, including matching name and ID card. Starting from June 1, 2019, such swaps are permitted. License plate swaps between different vehicles under the same owner do not apply to commercial vehicles; only non-commercial vehicles are eligible for swaps. Additionally, both vehicles must be of the same classification and must have the same type of license plate. Timeframe: If a license plate swap between different vehicles has already been applied for within one year, another swap can only be applied for after a full year has passed, with no changes permitted in between.
I believe the key to the question of whether two vehicles under one's personal name can swap license plates lies in understanding traffic regulations. In China, license plate numbers are tied to specific vehicles and cannot be exchanged arbitrarily. According to regulations, if you want to swap plates between two vehicles under your name, you must first complete relevant procedures, such as vehicle transfer or license plate retention applications. As a car owner, I consulted the DMV and learned that if one vehicle is sold to a family member, the license plate can be transferred, but a direct swap would be considered a violation. In practice, a friend tried swapping plates privately, only to be caught by traffic police, resulting in points deducted, fines, and insurance complications. Therefore, it's best not to take risks—consulting official authorities directly is both safe and hassle-free. License plate policies change frequently, so staying updated, as I do regularly, helps avoid trouble.
If I want to swap license plates between two vehicles under my name, I would first research the specific procedures. Initially, I need to confirm local regulations—some areas allow retaining old plates for reapplication but require submitting documents like ID card, vehicle registration, and car ownership certificates. Having handled similar cases before, I know the preparation process can be quite tedious, often requiring multiple trips to the DMV. If the goal is just to save money or for convenience, I'd advise against it due to the substantial fees (potentially costing hundreds) and time investment. Additionally, plate changes may impact insurance premiums; I've seen cases where people ended up paying higher rates. The best approach is to directly consult professionals or use online services to streamline the process and avoid mistakes.
Many novice car owners, like myself when I first bought a car, mistakenly believe that they can freely swap license plates between two vehicles under their name. In reality, this is a misconception. License plates are uniformly managed by the traffic authorities, and private exchanges are invalid and even illegal. From my experience, consulting a 4S dealership or online forums reveals similar stories of warnings or fines. The desire to swap plates may stem from personal preferences, but it's best to choose legal channels such as applying for a new plate or going through a formal transfer process. Don't risk major consequences for minor gains. Remember, following the rules minimizes risks.
