Can you drive on the highway without a license plate?
3 Answers
You cannot drive on the highway without a license plate. The traffic law stipulates: 1. The state implements a registration system for motor vehicles. Motor vehicles can only be driven on the road after being registered with the traffic management department of the public security organ. For motor vehicles that have not yet been registered but need to be temporarily driven on the road, a temporary pass license must be obtained; 2. When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle license plate must be displayed, along with the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark, and the vehicle's driving license must be carried; 3. The motor vehicle license plate must be displayed clearly and completely as required, and must not be intentionally obscured or damaged; 4. Driving a motor vehicle on the road without displaying the license plate as required will result in a fine and 12 penalty points.
I had driven for over ten years and once encountered a situation where a friend's car had no license plate when driving on the highway. As a result, it was stopped by traffic police at the toll station, fined, and impounded. The license plate is an essential item to prove a vehicle's identity. Without it, the police cannot trace the vehicle's origin or safety information. On the highway, speeds are high, and traffic is dense. In case of an accident, it would be difficult to even identify the responsible party. I remember that incident delayed us for two days to handle the fine and apply for a temporary license plate, wasting both time and money, not to mention the anxiety it caused. So, I remind myself to always check that the license plate is securely fixed before heading out. If it falls off temporarily, I stop immediately to reattach it. Don't take chances—safety rules aren't made for no reason.
When I first got my driver's license, I also thought about this issue. Later, I asked my driving instructor and learned that it's absolutely not allowed. The license plate is like the car's ID card. Without it, if you're caught on the highway by the police, the consequences can be severe—fines starting from several hundred yuan and even impounding of the vehicle. Dealing with such issues can be a real hassle, dragging your family into the mess. On the highway, there are many vehicles and visibility is poor; without a license plate, accidents or hit-and-runs are more likely, and rescue efforts can be slower. I suggest everyone develop the habit of checking their license plates after washing or repairing their cars to ensure they haven't fallen off. After all, saving a little money isn't worth the big trouble it can cause. Following traffic rules is the right way to go.
