Do Motorcycles Need to Display Temporary License Plates?
4 Answers
Motorcycles are required to display temporary license plates. The conditions for applying for temporary license plates are as follows: 1. When driving from the place of purchase to the place of use: Temporary license plates must be applied for at the vehicle management office in the place of purchase. 2. Vehicle transfer: When the official license plates have been surrendered, temporary license plates must be applied for at the local vehicle management office to drive back to the original location. 3. New vehicles without official license plates in the local area: If driving to another location for modifications, temporary license plates must be applied for locally. After modifications are completed, temporary license plates must be applied for at the local vehicle management office to drive back to the original area. 4. When purchasing a vehicle locally and driving to another location: Temporary license plates must be applied for locally to drive to the other location; the same applies in reverse. 5. Temporary trial use: For vehicles without a fixed registration that require temporary trial use.
When I first bought my motorcycle, the salesperson repeatedly emphasized that I must attach a temporary license plate, otherwise driving it on the road would definitely cause problems. The temporary license plate is a paper plate issued by the vehicle management office after purchasing the vehicle, valid for just a few days, usually 7 to 15 days. You need to hang one copy each at the front and rear, placed on the fender or other conspicuous locations. I always used double-sided tape to secure them firmly, afraid they might blow away in the wind. If you don't hang them and get caught by traffic police, the penalties range from a 200-yuan fine to having your vehicle impounded and points deducted, which can further complicate the subsequent registration process. I remember once seeing news about someone who didn’t have a plate and ended up in an accident—insurance wouldn’t cover it, leaving them to pay for repairs out of pocket plus a fine. So, I recommend handling this immediately after buying a motorcycle—don’t delay. Temporarily hanging the plate ensures legal riding and lets you enjoy the ride with peace of mind, avoiding bigger troubles over small oversights.
Over the years of riding motorcycles, I've seen many friends get checked for not displaying temporary license plates on their new bikes. Once, I bought one and rode it home directly, but luckily I had the temporary plate, so the journey was smooth. Temporary plates are mandatory—failing to display them can lead to serious consequences. If caught by the police, you could face fines or even have your bike impounded, especially now that law enforcement is stricter. Don't count on luck. Their purpose is to allow short-term legal road use, such as trips to the DMV or for riding. Make sure they're securely fixed front and back to avoid losing them. A friend who didn't display one was heavily fined and received penalty points—now he regrets cutting corners. My personal experience is that displaying it helps avoid risks and speeds up the process of getting the official plate. Don't underestimate this piece of paper—it represents legal status and can be a lifesaver in critical moments.
Motorcycles must have temporary license plates, as clearly required by traffic regulations. Before obtaining the official plate, a new vehicle must display a temporary one to avoid the risk of unlicensed driving. If you don't, the police can impose a fine starting from 200 RMB, and may even impound the vehicle with stricter penalties. I emphasize safe driving—details determine success or failure. Having a temporary plate not only ensures legality but also reduces hassle in case of accidents. It's advised to apply for it immediately after purchase, properly affix it, and proceed with formal registration promptly.
