Can you drive on the highway without temporary license plates?

[DeOmar]

Driving on the highway without temporary license plates is not allowed. Temporary license plates can be categorized into: 1. Temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions; 2. Temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions; 3. Temporary license plates for testing purposes; 4. Temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. Temporary license plates are paper motor vehicle license plates that allow temporary road use of motor vehicles, also known as temporary driving license plates. Conditions for applying for temporary license plates: 1. Driving the vehicle back to the place of use from the place of purchase; 2. Vehicle transfer, with official license plates already surrendered; 3. New vehicles in the local area that have not yet obtained official license plates and need to be driven to another location for modifications; 4. Vehicles purchased locally that need to be driven to another location; 5. Vehicles without fixed registration that require temporary trial use.

[DelJosie]

Back when I first started driving, a friend of mine bought a new car and was in a hurry to take the highway back to his hometown. He got stopped by the police for not having temporary license plates, was fined, and even had points deducted from his license—his car was almost towed away. As someone with over 20 years of driving experience, I told him: That was way too risky. Temporary plates aren’t something to mess around with—they’re proof that your car is legally allowed on the road. In China, a newly purchased car must have valid temporary plates to drive on the highway. Otherwise, it’s considered unlicensed driving, which not only risks getting caught but also means insurance won’t cover you in case of an accident—the losses can be huge. Remember, before hitting the road, always go to the DMV first to get temporary plates. They usually last about 15 days and allow highway driving, but don’t forget to renew them or switch to permanent plates before they expire. Don’t be like my friend, cutting corners only to pay a bigger price later. Safety first—that’s the smart way to go.

[McAdelyn]

As a new car owner, I never realized how important temporary license plates are! Last month when I picked up my new car, the salesperson said I could drive with a temporary plate first. I thought I could go anywhere, but not long after getting on the highway, I was stopped by a patrol officer for inspection. It turned out that driving on the highway without any license plate is a serious violation, punishable by fines of several hundred yuan, vehicle impoundment, or even license suspension. I was so scared that I immediately admitted my mistake and handled the necessary procedures. Now I understand: after buying a new car, don’t rush to go on long trips. You must first obtain a valid temporary license plate, which allows you to legally drive, including on highways. Just remember to check its validity period, usually around 15 days, printed on the plate. By the way, the process of getting a temporary plate is quite simple—just bring your invoice and ID to the DMV, and it can be done in a day. Don’t skip this step to save trouble, or you’ll regret it later.

[OMicah]

As a parent, I always remind my children to drive properly. Driving on the highway without temporary license plates? Absolutely not! My son almost tried it when he first started driving, but I stopped him in time because driving without plates is equivalent to illegal road use. If caught or involved in an accident, not only would you face hefty fines, but you could also be charged with irresponsible risk, affecting insurance claims. More importantly, highways have high speeds and accident rates, and unlicensed vehicles lack identity protection, making it difficult to assign responsibility in case of problems. I recommend everyone to obtain temporary plates in advance—they are essential credentials for new cars, usually valid for up to half a month, including highway sections. Vehicle safety starts with the basics; don’t risk big losses for small gains.

[SanFelix]

From driving experience, temporary license plates must be complete to drive on highways. I've noticed while driving that traffic regulations clearly state: new cars without official license plates must carry valid temporary plates, including on highways; non-compliance is equivalent to driving without plates, which may result in fines starting from 200 yuan or even vehicle impoundment. As a car owner, I've found in practice that temporary plates come in two types: local and national, and choosing the right type is essential to avoid being checked. The validity period is generally 10 to 15 days. Never take chances—driving on highways without plates is too risky, not only incurring fines but also causing a lot of trouble if you encounter traffic jams or checkpoints. Simply put, complete the paperwork before setting off for peace of mind and safety.

[LaHarper]

Last week, my friends and I planned a self-driving trip to the mountains. One buddy’s new car didn’t have temporary license plates in time, but he still took it on the highway. Halfway there, he got caught by a speed camera and received a fine letter when we got back to the city—500 RMB and a delayed trip. As a car enthusiast, I’ve learned my lesson: a temporary license plate is your pass for the highway. Without it, you’re legally driving without plates—not just fines and points, but insurance can deny claims if there’s an accident, leading to even bigger losses. My advice: get a temporary plate right after buying a new car. It’s valid for highway use, usually up to 15 days. Don’t cut corners and risk it—playing by the rules keeps you safe.