How long can a newly purchased motorcycle be driven without license plates?
4 Answers
Newly purchased motorcycles cannot be driven on the road without license plates. Otherwise, 12 points will be deducted from the driver's license, and a fine will be imposed. However, there are two opportunities to apply for temporary license plates, each valid for 15 days. Eligibility and scope for applying for temporary license plates: When driving the vehicle from the place of purchase to the place of use, a temporary license plate must be applied for at the vehicle management office in the place of purchase. When transferring vehicle registration and after surrendering the official license plates, a temporary license plate must be applied for at the local vehicle management office to drive back to the local area. The process and procedures for applying for temporary license plates are as follows: The applicant must present a unit introduction letter, proof of vehicle origin, certificate of conformity, and other relevant documents (except for the introduction letter, which will be archived, the rest will be returned to the applicant) to the vehicle management office for processing. During the application, the starting and ending points of the vehicle's journey and the duration of the temporary license plate use must be specified. After review by the management staff and inspection of the vehicle, if qualified, temporary license plates will be issued, with the validity period and starting and ending locations specified. Method for affixing temporary license plates: Two temporary license plates must be affixed simultaneously. One should be affixed to the upper right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view and should not be covered by the compulsory insurance label. The other should be affixed to the upper left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle.
I just bought a new motorcycle and was so excited that I hit the road immediately. However, I was pulled over by traffic police and fined after riding just a few kilometers. Later, I learned that newly purchased motorcycles usually have a temporary grace period, typically around 15 days, during which they can be ridden with temporary plates. But if you exceed this period without proper registration, it’s considered illegal driving. Riding without plates carries huge risks: in case of an accident, the insurance company won’t cover it, leaving you to foot the bill; if caught by police, you’ll face fines and penalty points. My advice is to register your new vehicle as soon as possible—don’t learn the hard way like I did. The grace period is short, so ask the dealership how to quickly get your plates to save money and hassle. Don’t sacrifice safety for short-term convenience. Think about the excitement of riding your new bike—getting it properly registered ensures a safer and more worry-free experience.
As a motorcycle commuter, I remind new owners not to delay license plate registration. The grace period for new vehicles may only be 7 to 15 days depending on local regulations – riding unregistered beyond that is absolutely prohibited. I've seen a friend ride their new bike unregistered for over a week for convenience, only to get fined and disrupt their work. Worse still, insurance becomes void without plates, meaning you bear full financial responsibility in accidents. Best practice is to urge the dealership to help obtain temporary plates on purchase day, smoothly transitioning to permanent registration. This eliminates unnecessary stress – motorcycles are inherently high-risk, and proper plating is fundamental protection. Don't underestimate this; compliant riding brings peace of mind and avoids extra costs. Act promptly to honor your investment in the new bike.
When I was young, I rode motorcycles, and it was fine to delay registering a new bike for a month. But times have changed—now you must register a newly purchased motorcycle within 15 days, or face hefty fines. Last time, I was late by a few days and got slapped with a 200-yuan fine. The grace period is short, and riding unregistered comes with big risks: no insurance coverage means you’re on your own if something happens. My advice to new riders? Don’t follow the old ways—registering should be your top priority. It’s safer and saves money.
