How to Affix Temporary Vehicle License Plates?

[DelKai]

Method for affixing temporary vehicle license plates: If there is only one temporary license plate, it should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield without obstructing the driver's view. If there are two temporary license plates, one should be affixed to the front windshield, and the other should be placed on the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. If there is no suitable position on the rear windshield, the second temporary license plate should still be carried in the vehicle. The paper motor vehicle license plate that permits temporary road use, also known as a temporary driving license plate, is a provisional vehicle movement certificate issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration. The validity period of a temporary license plate generally does not exceed thirty days.

[MarcusLynn]

Last time after buying a car, the first thing I did was research how to install temporary license plates, and I specifically asked a traffic police friend. Temporary plates must be affixed in two places: the one on the front windshield should be placed in the lower left or right corner—avoid the center to prevent obstructing the view; the one on the rear windshield must be placed in the lower left corner. I used transparent tape from a stationery store to secure all four corners and gently tugged to ensure it wouldn’t fly off. When applying, remember to clean the glass thoroughly—dust can cause the edges to peel. Once, I saw a neighbor stick the rear plate on the side window, and the next day they got pulled over and fined for it. Also, be sure to note the expiration date—after 30 days, you’ll need to switch to permanent plates.

[LaneLynn]

When I picked up my new car last year, the salesperson just handed me two paper plates and told me to install them myself. The front windshield plate fits most securely in the lower right corner, avoiding the wiper area; for the rear window, I chose the lower left corner - visible yet not obstructing the rearview mirror. Don't cut corners by using double-sided tape or glue, or you'll regret it when dealing with stubborn residue. I took a memo photo of the plate number with my phone, just in case the temporary plate got stolen. The mechanic at my neighborhood garage warned me against folding the plates, saying wrinkled ones might draw police attention. Every time I hit a bumpy road, I'd glance at the rearview mirror, paranoid it might disappear.

[LeGia]

Attaching a temporary license plate is actually quite simple. Choose either the bottom left or bottom right corner of the front windshield, and fix it to the bottom left corner of the rear windshield. Secure all four corners with 3cm-wide transparent tape - that's sufficient. Once when helping a friend, I noticed his plate had a crease, so I quickly flattened it under heavy books for half an hour before attaching. Avoid the dotted black area on the front windshield - tape won't stick there. Don't open windows on rainy days; I've seen cases where rainwater seeped under the tape causing plates to float away. Remember, weekend DMV visits for plate replacement mean long queues, so best to go three days early.

[VanJeremiah]

Temporary license plates may seem trivial, but incorrect placement can lead to real trouble. One plate each for the front and rear windshields: the front can be placed in either lower corner, while the rear must be in the lower left corner. Once saw a guy stick the front plate in the middle—reflections made it hard to see the road. I cover the plate with kitchen cling wrap before taping it on, and it surprisingly works great against rain. Avoid crisscrossing the tape; just an inch at each corner is enough. On weekends, dropping kids off at tutoring often means encountering traffic cops checking plates—those who stick them on side windows get lectured. If you notice tape peeling before a highway trip, replacement tape is available at convenience stores in service areas.

[MacLane]

As someone who frequently helps friends and family with temporary license plates, here are a few practical tips: First, use alcohol wipes to remove grease from the windshield—it works better than dry wiping. For the front plate, it's best to place it in the lower right corner; this minimizes interference with the wipers on left-hand drive vehicles. Avoid fluorescent tape; pure transparent tape is the safest choice. I've seen people place temporary plates on the dashboard, which can be dangerous if they fly up during sudden braking and jam the pedals. It's a good idea to place a thin cardboard spacer between the plate and the glass to prevent condensation due to temperature changes. I also make it a habit to mark the expiration date with a marker in the corner of the plate, so I don't have to check my phone every day.