How Long is the Validity Period of a Temporary Vehicle License Plate?

[LeLena]

Car temporary license plates are valid for no more than 30 days, while temporary plates for new vehicles cannot exceed 15 days. According to Article 8 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: The state implements a registration system for motor vehicles. Motor vehicles can only be driven on roads after being registered by the traffic management department of the public security authority. For motor vehicles that have not yet been registered but need to be driven on roads temporarily, a temporary pass license must be obtained. New vehicles using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for official license plates. After expiration, penalties may include vehicle impoundment, fines, and a deduction of 12 points.

[RubyRose]

When I bought my car, the temporary license plate issued had a 15-day validity period, giving me ample time to complete the formal procedures. The salesperson reminded me that the validity of the temporary plate starts from the day of issuance, and I must complete the registration at the DMV within this period; otherwise, I would have to reapply. This design is to prevent misuse and avoid vehicles being driven without proper plates for extended periods. If the deadline is missed, driving is not allowed, and the police may impose a fine if caught. New cars typically get 15 days, while used or imported vehicles might have 30 days, depending on the region and circumstances. It's advisable to schedule an appointment with the DMV promptly upon receiving the temporary plate to avoid delays and long queues during peak times. Remember to bring all necessary documents like the invoice and insurance—if everything goes smoothly, it can be done in a few days. My experience is that while temporary plates are convenient, switching to a regular plate on time is safer and more reliable, reducing future hassles.

[CamillaMarie]

The temporary license plate is generally valid for about 15 days, which is a standard setting based on the vehicle registration time. I asked industry insiders why this duration was chosen. The reason is that a period that's too short would leave car owners scrambling, while one that's too long would increase the risk of violations. Common scenarios include purchasing a new car or transferring ownership, with the validity period starting from the day of application. In cases of special needs, such as imported vehicles or with sufficient reasons for extension, a 30-day validity can be applied for, but additional documentation is required. Everyone should complete the formal license plate procedures within the validity period to avoid expiration. Otherwise, leaving the car parked on the roadside unused is quite a waste. Planning your schedule in advance and consulting the local vehicle management office's rules can save you trouble. From my own perspective as a car user, this arrangement seems quite reasonable, preventing delays and ensuring smooth road rights.

[McDerek]

When I first got my temporary license plate, I was nervous that its validity was only 15 days, worried I couldn't complete the registration in time. A friend advised me not to panic and just get it done on schedule. Temporary plates are designed as a transition period to facilitate the processing of new or transferred vehicles. It's recommended for beginners to act immediately and not wait until the last few days to visit the DMV. Bring all the purchase documents and make an early appointment to save time. If you exceed the deadline, the car cannot be driven on the road, and getting stopped by the police for a fine is a real hassle. Safe driving relies on switching to a regular license plate early, protecting yourself and respecting the rules. Simply remember, 15 days is the norm—don't procrastinate.