Is it acceptable not to install the license plate within the validity period of the temporary license?
2 Answers
It is not acceptable to not install the license plate within the validity period of the temporary license. Vehicle owners need to understand the definition of a temporary license, which is a temporary license used before obtaining the official license. Once the official license plate is obtained, the vehicle should be driven under the official license, and the temporary license will become invalid regardless of whether it has expired or not. When the owner receives the official license plate, they must first install it on the vehicle and then remove the temporary license plate. Continuing to use the temporary license after receiving the official license violates Article 96 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China. Forging, altering, or using forged or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, or driver's licenses will result in confiscation by the traffic management department of the public security authority and the detention of the vehicle.
I once helped a friend deal with a similar situation. Strictly speaking, it is absolutely not allowed to drive without installing the license plate during the validity period of the temporary plate, because traffic regulations stipulate that whether it is a temporary or formal license plate, the vehicle must clearly display the plate when on the road to facilitate police identification and monitoring of traffic violations. If it is not installed, you may be stopped and fined as soon as you hit the road. The lightest ticket I’ve seen costs several hundred yuan, and more serious cases may even result in points deducted, affecting your driving record. Even if the temporary plate is within its validity period, it still serves as an officially approved identifier. Not installing it is equivalent to driving an invisible car, making it difficult to trace responsibility in case of an accident. I suggest that you install and secure the temporary plate promptly during its validity period. Don’t cut corners by casually placing it in the car—this ensures both safety and avoids trouble. Regularly checking the fixing screws of the license plate is also important to prevent loosening and potential accidents. In short, compliance is the key to worry-free driving.
