Can You Drive on the Road with Only a Temporary License Plate and No Vehicle License?
3 Answers
Driving with only a temporary license plate and no vehicle license is not allowed. Here is more information about temporary license plates: 1. Introduction: A temporary license plate is a paper license plate issued by the vehicle management department of the public security authorities, allowing the vehicle to be driven on the road temporarily before it is officially registered. 2. Validity Period: The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed thirty days. 3. Categories: There are four types: temporary license plates for administrative districts, temporary license plates for cross-administrative districts, temporary license plates for testing purposes, and temporary license plates for special types of motor vehicles.
As a car enthusiast, I often remind everyone that driving on the road with only a temporary license plate but no vehicle registration certificate is absolutely not allowed. Under China's traffic regulations, a temporary license plate is just a provisional permit, such as when a new car is purchased but hasn't been officially registered yet. The vehicle registration certificate, on the other hand, serves as the vehicle's identity document, proving that it has been registered. Without it, even with a temporary license plate, driving on the road is a violation. Police can impound the vehicle and issue fines upon inspection, and in severe cases, it may even affect your driver's license points. I've personally seen a friend who thought a temporary license plate was sufficient, only to be pulled over halfway, resulting in their car being towed and their work being delayed. Moreover, without a vehicle registration certificate, insurance companies won't cover any accidents, which is a huge risk. Remember, after purchasing a car, it's safest to complete all the necessary paperwork before hitting the road. Also, don't procrastinate since temporary license plates have a short validity period.
I believe driving with only temporary plates and no vehicle registration certificate is extremely risky. Firstly, the law clearly states that vehicles on the road must display license plates and have a valid registration certificate to prove your right to use the vehicle. Temporary plates are inherently a transitional solution. If you haven't received the registration certificate, it means the vehicle registration process isn't complete, and driving under such circumstances is like playing with fire. Last year, my relative was in a hurry for a business trip and thought having plates was enough, only to have the car impounded at a highway checkpoint. Not only did they pay thousands in fines, but they also spent several days rectifying the paperwork. Even worse, if you're involved in a minor collision or stopped by traffic police, lacking proper documentation can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts. So my advice is: Wait patiently until the registration certificate is ready before hitting the road. While checking your vehicle's fluids and condition, don't forget to ensure all documents are in order. Safe driving is no trivial matter—every document is essential.
