How to Drive on Highways with Temporary License Plates
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Temporary license plates can be used on highways as long as they are within the validity period and can be used in all regions, but relevant documents such as invoices, certificates of conformity, and proof of insurance purchase must be carried. Below is an introduction to the relevant content: 1. Conditions for Out-of-Province Travel: New cars with temporary license plates can travel to other provinces, but they must have cross-administrative district temporary license plates, and the temporary license plates must be within the validity period. 2. Temporary License Plates: Temporary license plates are temporary vehicle travel permits issued by the public security vehicle management department for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration. The validity period generally does not exceed thirty days. 3. Types of Temporary License Plates: Temporary license plates within administrative districts, cross-administrative district temporary license plates, temporary license plates for test vehicles, and temporary license plates for special vehicles. 4. Usage Period: New cars using temporary license plates must not exceed 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply to the vehicle management authority for the use of official license plates.
When I first bought my car, I specifically asked the 4S dealership about driving on the highway with temporary license plates. You need to be clear about the type—only the blue-background, black-text cross-regional temporary plates allow nationwide travel, while the brown-background, black-text ones are restricted to local city use. Before hitting the highway, remember to properly display both temporary plates: one on the lower right corner of the front windshield and another on the lower left corner of the rear windshield. Otherwise, you could be fined 200 yuan if stopped by highway patrol. The expiration date is clearly printed on the temporary plates—never drive beyond it. A friend of mine drove with an expired temporary plate and was penalized as if driving without a license, losing 9 points. Also, temporary plates are still subject to speeding tickets, so don’t treat them as a 'get-out-of-jail-free card.'
Last time I helped a relative get a temporary license plate for a long-distance trip, the process was quite simple. You just need to bring the new car invoice, compulsory traffic insurance policy, ID card, and a rubbing of the vehicle identification number (VIN), and you can apply for a paper temporary plate either through the 12123 APP or at the vehicle management office. Here's the key point: For highway driving, only temporary plates with the wording 'Cross-regional travel permitted' are valid, and the maximum validity period is 15 days. It's best for the passenger to keep an eye on the navigation and remind the driver of exits in time, as temporary plate vehicles without ETC have to use the manual lane to get a toll card. Most importantly, don’t drive too fast during heavy rain—dealing with insurance claims for accidents involving temporary plate vehicles is much more troublesome than with regular license plates.
