How Long Is the Validity Period of a Temporary License Plate When Buying a Car?
4 Answers
When buying a car, the validity periods of temporary license plates are 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days, including both weekdays and holidays. A temporary license plate is a provisional vehicle travel permit issued by the vehicle management department of the public security authorities before the car is officially registered due to the processing of certain formalities. Temporary license plates are categorized into: 1. Temporary license plates for administrative jurisdictions; 2. Temporary license plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions; 3. Temporary plates for testing purposes; 4. Temporary license plates for special-type motor vehicles. Temporary license plates should be affixed using ordinary tape or double-sided tape and should be placed in the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the car, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view, to ensure driving safety.
I asked this question when I first bought my car. The validity period of a temporary license plate mainly depends on its type: for local city use, it's usually around 15 days, sometimes extendable to 30 days. If you need to travel farther, like across provinces, you’ll need an inter-provincial temporary plate, which can last up to 30 days. This temporary plate is a piece of paper that must be placed on the corners of the front and rear windshields; otherwise, you might get pulled over by the police. Why is there a time limit? It’s mainly to give you time to get your official plates—don’t delay, because driving with an expired temporary plate counts as unlicensed driving, which carries big risks. If you get into an accident, insurance won’t cover it, and you could face fines or even have your car towed. My advice: plan ahead and get your official plates sorted early. Don’t wait until the last day of your temporary plate. Just bring your ID and car purchase invoice to the DMV or dealership, and you’re good to go.
I recently picked up my new car, and the temporary license plate validity period made me a bit nervous. Generally, it starts at 15 days and can go up to 30 days, depending on your driving range—for example, it's shorter for local city driving, while cross-province long trips are more convenient. Placement is crucial: the lower left corner of the front windshield and the upper part of the rear windshield. I always check the date before driving, afraid I might forget. As a new driver, I advise against risking overstaying the temporary plate, as it could lead to fines or even points deduction. The process of getting a temporary plate was straightforward—the 4S dealership handled it during purchase. I took some time to read through the materials to ensure the insurance was also in place. Temporary plates are just a transition; switching to permanent plates as soon as possible is more reassuring, especially since safety comes first when using the car daily.
The validity period of temporary license plates is clearly stipulated: standard temporary plates for local use typically last up to 15 days, while cross-province travel permits can be extended to 30 days. This design ensures legal driving before official registration, avoiding unlicensed risks. Temporary plates must be properly affixed to designated positions on the front and rear windshields; otherwise, they become invalid. Application requires only the vehicle purchase invoice and identity proof. Consequences for driving with expired plates are severe: under traffic laws, fines can reach hundreds of yuan with penalty points, and insurance claims will be denied. Proper time management is crucial—it’s recommended to schedule official registration immediately upon receiving temporary plates to ensure a seamless transition.
