How Long is the Validity Period of a Temporary Vehicle License Plate?
2 Answers
The validity period of a temporary vehicle license plate is divided into 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days, including weekdays and holidays. If the motor vehicle is used for scientific research or prototype testing and cannot be registered due to axle load, total mass, or overall dimensions exceeding national standards, a temporary license plate with a validity period of no more than 90 days will be issued. A temporary vehicle license plate is the only legal document that allows a new car to be driven on the road before the official license plate is issued. Driving without a license plate, if discovered by traffic police, will result in the seizure of the vehicle, a requirement for the party to provide the corresponding license, a 12-point deduction from the driver's record, and a fine. License plates are plates hung on the front and rear of the vehicle, typically made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, displaying the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information.
I just bought a new car, and the salesperson told me that the validity period of temporary license plates is usually around 15 to 30 days, depending on your location and specific circumstances. Some places have shorter regulations, like Shanghai where it might be 15 days, while some remote areas may allow 20 or more days. I need to hurry and get the formal license plates within this period because once it expires, it becomes troublesome—you can't continue driving on the road. If traffic police catch you, they'll issue a fine and deduct points, and in case of an accident, insurance won’t cover it. From the time of application, it generally takes about half a month to a month, so it’s best to plan ahead and not wait until the last couple of days. It’s normal to feel excited about a new car without plates, but safety comes first. So, I suggest everyone check their local traffic regulations carefully and avoid being fined hundreds like my friend who exceeded the deadline.
