How to Enter an Automatic License Plate Recognition Parking Lot with Temporary Plates?
2 Answers
If the parking lot you are entering has a security guard on duty, simply ask the guard to open the gate. Typically, security guards manually register vehicles with temporary plates entering the parking lot. If the parking lot does not have a security guard, check if there is a card dispenser at the entrance. Press the button on the card dispenser, and the barrier will automatically lift. Upon exit, the system will automatically calculate the parking fee. For parking lots that rely on automatic license plate recognition to lift the barrier, entry is not possible because the machine cannot recognize temporary plates. Below is additional information: 1. About Temporary License Plates: Temporary license plates are temporary vehicle permits issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before formal registration. The validity period of temporary plates generally does not exceed thirty days. There are four types: temporary plates for administrative districts, temporary plates for cross-administrative districts, temporary plates for testing purposes, and temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. Temporary plates should be affixed in two places: one on the upper right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view and is not covered by compulsory insurance labels, and the other on the upper left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. 2. Smart Parking Lots: A smart parking lot management system is a collective term for modern parking lot vehicle fee collection and automated equipment management. It is a high-tech electromechanical integration product that places the parking lot entirely under unified computer management. Using contactless IC cards or ID cards (the latest technology includes parking lots compatible with both types) as carriers, smart devices record relevant information about the vehicle and cardholder's entry and exit. This information is processed, transmitted, and converted into signals that can be recognized and interpreted by humans through interfaces such as character displays and voice announcements, thereby enabling timed fee calculation and vehicle management.
When I previously used a temporary license plate to enter an automatic recognition parking lot, the camera just couldn't recognize it—the paper plate reflected too much light. I was stuck at the entrance for a while until I noticed a small button nearby. Pressing it summoned a security guard. He scanned my temporary plate with a handheld device, registered the information, and then opened the gate, which took about five minutes. So, I recommend checking in advance whether the parking lot has a manual lane or a call function. Bring your car purchase invoice and ID card in case you need to verify your identity. Temporary plates have a short validity period and aren't designed for standard systems, so don’t rush or stress about time—it’s best to visit during off-peak hours. Regularly clean your plate when washing the car to avoid stains. Since the technology isn’t mature yet, most cases still rely on manual intervention. I also tried registering my vehicle via the parking lot’s app, but temporary plates often don’t work, leading to manual processing anyway. In short, be patient, prioritize safety, and don’t force your way through.
