
Temporary license plates should be attached to the vehicle as follows: one plate should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view. The other plate should be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. For passenger vehicles that have not yet been registered (excluding cargo vehicles, including sedans, etc.) and need to be driven temporarily on the road, both temporary license plates must be displayed simultaneously. The temporary license plate, also known as a temporary vehicle movement permit, is a paper license issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration. Typically, the validity period of a temporary license plate does not exceed thirty days.

Applying a temporary license plate is actually super easy. The first time I did this was after buying a new car—the dealership gave me a temporary plate, and I simply used clear tape to stick it on the inside of the lower right corner of the front windshield, ensuring the plate faced outward and lay flat. Before applying, I cleaned the glass to remove dust, preventing bubbles or curling edges. Choose a spot that doesn’t obstruct your view, like avoiding the front center or side mirror areas. Some people mistakenly place it on the rear window, but most places require both front and rear plates. After attaching it, remember that temporary plates have a short validity—just 15 to 30 days—so hurry to get your permanent one. This small step ensures you won’t be stopped by traffic police and also check that the tape is secure to avoid it peeling off in strong winds.

As an experienced driver, my most reliable tip for attaching temporary license plates is to place them on the inside of the lower right corner of the front windshield and the lower inside of the rear window, securing all four corners with transparent tape. Choose a flat area to avoid obstructing the view; clean the glass before attaching to prevent dust buildup. The key point is that the front of the plate must be displayed clearly and completely—tilting or wrinkling is non-compliant. Temporary plates have a short validity period, and attaching them outside risks wind damage and invalidation, so inside attachment is safer. Always remember to replace them with official plates promptly—safety first.

When affixing temporary license plates, ensure correct placement: the lower right corner inside the front windshield and the lower area inside the rear window. Secure all four corners firmly with clear tape, clean the glass, and press lightly for a smooth finish. Avoid obstructing visibility or placing near the edges, which may affect clarity. The key is to display the entire license plate with the numbers facing outward.


