Can You Drive with One Missing License Plate?

[MacJohnny]

Driving with one missing license plate is not allowed. If your license plate is lost, you should immediately go to the traffic management department to apply for a replacement. Driving a car without a license plate on the road will result in a 12-point penalty if caught by traffic police. After losing a license plate, remember to call the police first to prevent it from being used illegally by criminals as a fake plate. According to the Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations: If a motor vehicle's license plate or registration certificate is lost, missing, or damaged, the vehicle owner must apply for a replacement at the local vehicle management office. When applying, the owner must fill out an application form and submit proof of identity. The vehicle management office will review the submitted documents and proofs, and retrieve any undamaged or lost license plates or registration certificates. A replacement registration certificate will be issued within one day of acceptance, and a replacement license plate will be issued within 15 days of acceptance, with the original license plate number remaining unchanged. During the replacement period, a temporary license plate valid for no more than 15 days will be issued.

[DiAdeline]

As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I must be honest—driving with a missing license plate is absolutely not allowed. I remember making this mistake when I was younger. After my rear plate was stolen, I thought it wasn't a big deal and drove to the supermarket anyway. Halfway there, I was pulled over by the police, fined 200 yuan, and had points deducted from my license. I deeply regretted it afterward. The law requires complete front and rear license plates to be displayed at all times—missing one is equivalent to having no identification, which is illegal. Worse yet, if you're involved in an accident, insurance may not cover it or it could be hard to determine liability, putting yourself and others at risk. Head to your local DMV right away to get a replacement—just bring your vehicle registration and ID, and it'll be quick and inexpensive. Don't take chances; safety is far more important than saving a few bucks.

[OCora]

From a technical perspective, driving without license plates is absolutely not allowed. License plates serve as a vehicle's ID card, and regulations require both front and rear plates to be intact. Otherwise, it's considered a violation, which may result in a 200-yuan fine or penalty points. In my daily experience, I've seen cases where plates were lost due to loosening or theft. The correct approach is to stop driving immediately, identify the cause to prevent recurrence, and then promptly visit the vehicle management office for replacement. They can issue temporary permits or new plates. The process is straightforward, but don't delay to avoid bigger troubles. From a safety standpoint, complete plates ensure proper identification, especially for tracking during nighttime or accidents. The replacement fee is affordable, and using public transport for a few days is a reasonable solution—just be patient.

[DelLane]

Bro, driving with a missing license plate is a no-go. Last month, my rear plate fell off, and I thought it was no big deal. But just a short drive later, I got pulled over, fined, and wasted time. The regulations are strict now – both front and rear plates must be intact when driving, or it's a violation. Hurry to the DMV to get a replacement; bring your documents, spend a little money, and get it sorted. Delaying might get it recorded, affecting your next inspection. Usually, check the screws when parking to avoid last-minute panic.

[VonElla]

Please remember, it is absolutely forbidden to drive with an incomplete license plate. This involves traffic safety and legal risks. A missing license plate makes the vehicle unidentifiable, increases difficulty in accident accountability, and may also affect emergency response. Regulations clearly stipulate penalties, such as fines and demerit points. I recommend immediately parking the vehicle in a safe place and going to the vehicle management office to reissue the license plate as soon as possible. When handling, bring all vehicle documents to ensure a smooth process. For prevention, regularly check the license plate's fixation to avoid loosening or loss. Safe driving starts with small details—don’t overlook this one.