Is It Allowed to Drive Without a Temporary License Plate?

[SanColin]

Driving without a temporary license plate is not allowed. Methods to apply for a temporary license plate: 1. Apply at the Vehicle Management Office: The car owner needs to bring their ID card, car purchase invoice, copy of compulsory insurance policy, and the original and photocopy of the vehicle's factory certificate. Then, go to the Vehicle Management Office window to apply for a temporary license plate, fill out the application form, submit the required materials, and after approval, pay a 5-yuan processing fee to receive the temporary driving license plate. 2. Apply at the 4S store: With the implementation of the 'simplification, decentralization, and service optimization' policy, temporary license plates can now be directly processed at 4S stores. If the Vehicle Management Office is far from home or closed during holidays, you can go directly to the 4S store, as most 4S stores remain open during holidays. 3. Apply via the Traffic Management 12123 app: Most car owners are familiar with the Traffic Management 12123 app, which can handle many vehicle-related services, including the application for temporary license plates. Simply follow the instructions under 'Business Processing' and 'Apply for a New Vehicle Temporary License Plate' to complete the application.

[MacEvan]

Driving without a temporary license plate is absolutely not allowed. Having worked in automotive affairs for many years, I know very well that this is an extremely risky illegal act. A temporary license plate serves as a legal pass for new or transferred vehicles to drive while waiting for the official plates. Without it, even driving a short distance for a joyride or from the 4S store to home counts as unlicensed driving. If caught by traffic police, it results in a 200 yuan fine and 12 demerit points. In severe cases, the vehicle may even be impounded, causing delays and additional costs to retrieve it. Some friends think they can get away with it, but in reality, road surveillance and random checks are highly probable, especially on urban main roads. The risk of an accident or checkpoint can instantly ruin your driving eligibility. Rather than taking the risk, it's better to spend a few dozen yuan at the DMV a day in advance to get a temporary plate or have the 4S store handle it for convenience. The temporary plate is valid for 15 days, providing ample time to transition smoothly until the official plates arrive. Don't risk affecting insurance claims or the vehicle's legality over minor savings.

[DeHaley]

I think driving without a temporary license plate is extremely dangerous. When I bought my car last year, I was eager to test it out immediately, but my friend warned me not to take the risk. A temporary license plate is like a provisional ID card, proving the vehicle's legal status. Driving without it is a direct violation of traffic laws—getting caught could mean a hefty fine, and it might even mess up your vehicle records, affecting future inspections. From my experience, whether it's a new car or a used one after transfer, it's best to get the plates sorted as soon as possible. The process is simple: just bring your ID and invoice to the DMV, and it’ll take only a few minutes. Trying to cut corners by driving without one could lead to awkward situations, like getting pulled over during a night out or a long trip, wasting time and money to fix the mess. Everyone loves convenience, but safety comes first. Following the rules is the only way to truly enjoy driving—don’t let a moment of impulsiveness ruin a good thing.

[VonAdalynn]

No, you cannot drive without a license plate. I've handled too many similar cases where the absence of a temporary license plate immediately renders the vehicle unidentifiable, making it illegal to drive from the moment you start the engine. Traffic police will issue a fine of 200 yuan and deduct 12 points upon spotting an empty license plate slot, and such checks are extremely frequent, with almost one car being caught every few days. The risks go beyond fines, including vehicle impoundment or insurance claim rejections after an accident, potentially doubling the financial cost. Get your license plate as soon as possible to avoid these pitfalls.