How many days can a new car be driven on the road with an invoice?
2 Answers
New cars cannot be driven on the road with an invoice. 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 the road 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 temporarily driven on the road, a temporary license plate must be obtained. When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle must display the license plate, place the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark, and carry the vehicle registration certificate. An invoice is a business document issued and received by all units and individuals in the purchase and sale of goods, provision or acceptance of services, and other business activities, serving as the original basis for accounting.
Over the years, I've interacted with many new car owners. Typically, a new car can be driven temporarily for 7 days with just the purchase invoice as proof—this is the standard duration. For example, in mainland China, traffic regulations allow the invoice to serve as proof of vehicle origin, making it convenient for you to drive to the DMV to register your car within a few days of purchase. However, don't procrastinate—once the grace period expires, traffic police may issue fines or even impound the vehicle, which could cost you more than just a few hundred yuan. More importantly, ensure you have comprehensive insurance coverage during this temporary period to facilitate claims in case of an accident. In practice, some people run into serious trouble because DMV queues delay registration until the 8th day. I recommend booking an appointment via an app or mini-program in advance to save time and ensure safety. Ideally, complete all procedures within the first two days—it’s both hassle-free and efficient.
