How soon should a new car be licensed after purchase?
2 Answers
After purchasing a new car, it should be licensed within 3 to 5 working days. The installation method is as follows: 1. Take out the screws of the license plate and insert them into the anti-theft caps by rotating; 2. Position the license plate correctly, align the screws with the gaps on the bumper, and secure them with tools; 3. Cover the anti-theft caps and press them into place. The functions of the license plate number: 1. To number and register information for each vehicle; 2. To identify the region to which the vehicle belongs; 3. To trace the owner and registration information of the vehicle based on the license plate. Types of license plate numbers: 1. White represents military and police plates; 2. Blue represents ordinary small vehicles with fewer than 7 seats; 3. Yellow represents ordinary large vehicles; 4. Black represents foreign enterprise plates.
When I bought my new car last year, I was completely clueless. The 4S store salesperson reminded me that it's best to complete the license plate registration within a week, otherwise I might be stopped and fined by traffic police if driving without plates. I quickly looked up the information and found that in China, you're generally required to register and apply for either a formal or temporary license plate at the vehicle management office within 7 days of purchasing a car. You just need to bring the car purchase invoice, ID card, vehicle qualification certificate, and compulsory traffic insurance policy to complete the process. I opted for a temporary plate first, as it has a 15-day validity period, giving me more time to drive around. But don't delay too long—a friend of mine was once fined 200 yuan for late registration, and it also affected his insurance claims. I think it's best to act within the same week after buying a new car. The vehicle management offices often have long queues, so I recommend going early or using a mobile app to book an appointment to save time. Safety first—driving without plates is a big risk.
