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

[DiColin]

New car temporary license plates can be used for 30 days. There are two common types of temporary license plates: one with black characters and black borders on a sky-blue background, limited to driving within the city, known as a local temporary license plate; the other with black characters and black borders on a brown and yellow background, which can be used for inter-city driving, known as an out-of-town temporary license plate. The correct way to affix a temporary license plate is: place it on the lower left or right corner of the front windshield without obstructing the driver's view. If there are two temporary license plates, one should be affixed to the front windshield, and the other should be placed on the lower left corner of the rear windshield. If there is no space on the rear windshield, the other temporary license plate should still be carried in the vehicle.

[MacMason]

I just bought a new car last month, and I remember the temporary license plate provided by the 4S store was valid for 15 days, which felt quite tight. The salesperson reminded me to be careful not to violate any traffic rules on the way home, as temporary plates are more likely to be checked by traffic police. I want to remind everyone not to wait until the last day to apply for the official plate; my neighbor went to the DMV on the 14th day, only to find long queues and almost missed the deadline. If you don’t drive beyond the expiry date, it’s fine, but if caught on the road, the fine can be over 200 yuan. I recommend asking the dealership clearly about the duration when buying a new car—some places might offer 20 or 30 days, depending on the situation. In short, temporary plates are just a transitional window to help you complete the formalities, so act quickly to avoid complications and the kind of anxiety my family experienced during our first time.

[DeVivian]

The validity period of a temporary license plate is typically 15 days. Based on my years of driving experience, this duration is sufficient for you to complete the formal procedures. It mainly depends on the purchase method: for example, if you pay in full, the dealership will directly issue a temporary plate; if it's a loan, they might require you to submit documents first. Remember to set a phone reminder and schedule an appointment with the DMV 3-5 days in advance to avoid fines like I got last time for forgetting the date. Regulations vary slightly by province or city: in Beijing and Shanghai, it's usually 15 days, while suburban areas may extend it to 30 days. Don’t underestimate the issue of expiration—driving with an expired temporary plate carries significant risks, and you’ll inevitably face point deductions and fines. Simply put, prioritize this after getting a new car. The required documents include the invoice and insurance policy, and the process isn’t difficult. Always prioritize safety and don’t cut corners to save time.

[MacBennett]

The temporary license plate for a new car can be used for up to 30 days, depending on where you buy the car. Mine was valid for 15 days when I bought it in the city, while my relative's car purchased in the countryside got 20 days. This duration is sufficient for transferring the vehicle or waiting for the permanent plate, but don't wait until the last minute to queue at the DMV. Driving with an expired plate isn't an issue if you're not on the road, but if caught, you'll face fines and it may affect your insurance. It's advisable to ask the salesperson about the validity period when purchasing to avoid last-minute hassles like I did the first time. Completing the formalities smoothly and driving safely is the best approach.

[VanEmery]

The validity period of a temporary license plate is generally 15 to 20 days. I pay special attention to this because my friend was fined for driving with an expired temporary plate. Never ignore the time limit: once the period expires, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road, otherwise you will face at least a 3-point deduction and a 200 yuan fine. It is recommended to start the formal procedures immediately after obtaining the temporary plate. Bring the vehicle invoice to the DMV to make an appointment—the process is simple, but don’t delay. There are minor adjustments for different situations, such as holidays or special needs, where you can apply for a few extra days. The key is to comply with the rules to ensure a smooth plate replacement and avoid potential safety hazards. Handling it early saves both peace of mind and money.