How Many Points Will Be Deducted for Missing License Plate Screws?
3 Answers
Missing license plate screws can result in a maximum deduction of 12 points. Motor vehicle license plates must be hung according to regulations, and special license plate fastening devices must be installed in designated positions. Not using the special fastening devices for license plates or using other fastening devices is considered illegal. The license plate fastening device mainly consists of bolts, nuts, a fastening base, and a fastening cover. The fastening cover is printed with Chinese characters representing the abbreviation of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government, as well as letters representing the issuing authority code, which must match the abbreviations and codes on the license plate. Each motor vehicle license plate should be equipped with 8 new-style license plate fastening devices.
Just a few days ago, I was fined for missing license plate screws, as I always overlook these small details when inspecting my car. According to traffic regulations, motor vehicle license plates must be securely fastened with four specialized screws—missing even one is unacceptable. Last time, the traffic police stopped me and pointed out the missing screw, resulting in an immediate 12-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. Thinking back, I regret it deeply—just two small screws forced me to retake the written driving test. Issues like screws being washed away by high-pressure car washes or loosening due to aging without timely replacement can also cause problems. Later, I went to the vehicle management office to reapply for and install the fixed-sealing screws. Now, I’ve developed a habit of checking the license plate by touch before every trip for peace of mind. A loose license plate isn’t just about points and fines—losing it on a bumpy road could lead to even bigger trouble. It’s best to keep a set of spare screws in the car just in case.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I pay special attention to license plate screws. Regulations clearly require two fastening devices for both front and rear license plates. Missing screws or loose installations are considered non-compliant with license plate mounting rules. Last year, at a highway exit, I witnessed a car being penalized 12 points for missing license plate screws. During enforcement, traffic police not only check the quantity but also verify if specialized anti-theft screws are used—ordinary screws are also a violation. I recommend everyone develop the habit of checking for rust on screws after car washes, manually tightening them quarterly, and keeping an original set of fastening screws purchased from the DMV in the car. If you're caught, don't argue—promptly install the missing screws to avoid fines. License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, and loose ones can be dangerous when encountering bumps.
