How many points will be deducted for driving without a license plate?
3 Answers
Driving on the road without displaying a motor vehicle license plate will result in the vehicle being impounded, a fine imposed, and 12 points deducted. The vehicle will be returned after providing the corresponding license plate. Below is relevant information: Applying for a temporary license plate: Before obtaining a temporary license plate, do not drive an unlicensed vehicle on the road. According to traffic laws, motor vehicles that have not been registered or obtained official license plates but need to be driven temporarily on the road must obtain temporary passage permits. Illegal activities: Motor vehicle drivers committing the following violations will have 12 points deducted at once: driving a motor vehicle that does not match the permitted vehicle type; driving under the influence of alcohol; driving a commercial passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus carrying more than 20% of the approved number of passengers; fleeing the scene of a traffic accident without constituting a crime; driving a motor vehicle on the road without displaying a license plate, or intentionally covering, damaging, or not installing the license plate as required.
My neighbor Lao Wang just encountered this issue last week. He drove his newly bought car out after the temporary license plate expired without noticing, and was stopped by traffic police who directly deducted 12 points and fined him 2000 yuan! Driving without a license plate is a big no-no, and the penalty is non-negotiable—12 points at once, equivalent to retaking the theoretical driving test. In fact, new car owners are most prone to making this mistake. Even if you just got your car and don’t have a formal license plate yet, don’t cut corners—apply for a temporary plate, which is valid for 15 to 30 days, and never drive after it expires. Traffic rules are designed to protect everyone’s safety. Imagine how dangerous it would be if unlicensed cars were running around everywhere! It’s recommended to take a photo of the vehicle registration certificate immediately after picking up the car and save it on your phone, so you can check the temporary plate’s expiry date anytime.
We seasoned drivers all know that driving without a license plate will result in a guaranteed 12-point deduction, vehicle impoundment, and a minimum fine of 200 yuan with no upper limit. Don't even think about taking chances by dodging cameras—nowadays, the Sky Net system can even identify your vehicle's VIN. Once on a long-distance trip, I saw a car speeding on the highway emergency lane without a license plate, and within 20 kilometers, it was intercepted by traffic police, with the driver's license revoked on the spot. At the end of the day, a license plate is like a vehicle's ID card. New regulations also stipulate that intentionally defacing or obscuring a license plate will similarly result in a 12-point deduction. Don't take temporary plates lightly either—paper plates must be affixed to the upper right corner of the front and rear windshields. Plastic clips can easily loosen or fall off, so it's safer to use static cling stickers for a secure fit.
