How to Go to the DMV Without a Temporary License Plate?
3 Answers
The only correct approach is to use a tow truck to transport the vehicle that needs to be registered to the DMV for license plate issuance. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," driving a motor vehicle without displaying a license plate is considered a violation of traffic regulations. If caught by traffic police, the penalty includes a deduction of 12 points. Below are specific details about license plates: 1. Function of License Plates: License plates serve as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Their primary purpose is to identify the vehicle's region of registration and to trace the owner and registration details. 2. Classification by License Plate Colors: Large civilian vehicles have yellow plates with black characters. Small civilian vehicles have blue plates with white characters. Embassy vehicles for foreigners have black plates with white characters and a red "Embassy" character mark. Consulate vehicles for foreigners have black plates with white characters and a red "Consulate" character mark. Other foreign vehicles have black plates with white characters. Test vehicles have blue plates with white characters and a "Test" character mark before the numbers. Learner vehicles have blue plates with white characters and a "Learner" character mark before the numbers. Temporary license plates have white plates with red characters and the word "Temporary" before the numbers. Coach vehicles have yellow plates with black characters and a "Learner" character mark after the numbers. Replacement license plates for vehicles have white plates with black characters.
I encountered this situation before when a friend wanted to go to the DMV with their new car without temporary license plates. I advised them not to drive there at all. Driving without plates is illegal, and if the police see it, they will issue a ticket or tow the car. Having the car impounded would cause even bigger trouble. A safer approach is to call a towing company in advance to tow the car to the DMV and park it outside, then you can simply walk in to handle the paperwork. If the budget allows, taking a taxi is the simplest option—it’s affordable and hassle-free. Also, check with the dealership to see if they can help with towing, as they often deal with such matters. Remember, safety comes first—don’t risk an accident just to save a little time. Always make sure to get temporary plates before driving a newly purchased car.
Once I helped deal with a new car without temporary license plates, and here are the most practical steps: First, don't drive the car yourself. Call a towing service and have the driver tow the car near the DMV. Then, take a taxi or bus to the DMV, where there's a designated area for such cases. Upon arrival, explain the situation and apply for either a permanent license plate or a replacement temporary one. If the DMV is far away, consider asking a friend to drive you there, and remember to bring all necessary documents like the car purchase proof. Once the plates are issued, you can drive the car home directly. This process is hassle-free and avoids potential road incidents. Always remember not to rush driving a new car—wait until the plates are properly issued before hitting the road. In short, the key is not to risk driving without plates.
