How Long Can a Temporary License Plate Be Used for a Car?

[LeJosephine]

Car temporary license plates cannot be used for more than 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply for a formal license plate from the vehicle management authority. After expiration, penalties may include vehicle impoundment, a fine of 200 yuan, and a deduction of 3 points. The characteristic of a temporary license plate lies in its temporary nature. While formal license plates can be permanently valid, once a temporary license plate expires, the holder cannot drive on the road without renewal; otherwise, it constitutes a traffic violation. New car temporary plates can be extended, with a maximum of three extensions totaling 21 days. New cars require temporary license plates to be driven on the road. Temporary license plates serve as a transitional phase before obtaining formal plates, with the same legal effect as formal plates. However, temporary plates are time-sensitive and become invalid once formal plates are issued. Temporary license plates are divided into two types: one for temporary driving within the administrative jurisdiction, issued for a validity period not exceeding 15 days, colored blue; the other for temporary driving across administrative jurisdictions, issued for a validity period not exceeding 30 days, colored yellow. The procedures for applying for yellow and blue temporary license plates are the same, requiring the following documents: original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's identity proof; original and photocopy of the vehicle qualification certificate; original and photocopy of third-party liability insurance (traffic compulsory insurance); original and photocopy of the vehicle purchase invoice. Types of temporary license plates: Motor vehicle temporary license plates include four categories: temporary plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for testing purposes, and temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. Motor vehicle temporary license plates consist of two cards, with the front displaying the plate number and validity period, and the back showing detailed vehicle information. Temporary license plates cannot be lent to others.