Is it necessary to carry documents when driving with a temporary license plate?
3 Answers
It is necessary to carry documents when driving with a temporary license plate. You must have the original vehicle invoice and certificate of conformity for inspection, a valid driver's license, and the temporary license plate must be within its validity period. A temporary license plate is a transitional plate used before the owner obtains the official license plate. During this period, driving on the road requires the use of a temporary license plate, which has the same legal effect as an official license plate. Once the official license plate is obtained, the temporary license plate becomes invalid. When applying for a temporary license plate, whether it is applied for at the place of household registration or elsewhere, the traffic police department and vehicle management office can simply log in online to check personal information. A vehicle can apply for a temporary license plate up to three times, with each plate valid for 30 days. For new vehicles, the temporary license plate is valid for 15 days. Exceeding this period may result in penalties, including fines, deduction of 12 points, and vehicle impoundment.
I've been driving for many years, and every time I hit the road with temporary plates, I always remember to carry my documents—mainly my driver's license, vehicle registration, and ID card. Temporary plates have a short validity period, and police may check your documents anytime on the road. If you're caught without them, you could face anything from a verbal warning or fine to having your car impounded or even affecting your next formal license plate application. From my experience, carrying your documents can also help avoid unnecessary hassles, like delays in settling minor accidents due to missing paperwork. Additionally, vehicles with temporary plates are in a special status and more prone to issues, so having all your documents ready makes handling situations smoother. That's why I've made it a habit to keep my documents in an easily accessible pocket before driving. Remember, safe driving isn't just about following traffic rules—details matter too.
When I first started learning to drive, my instructor emphasized that using temporary license plates requires carrying all necessary documents. You must have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and ID card ready—none can be missing. Police checks are frequent, especially on roads with many new drivers. Missing documents could result in fines or towing, causing delays. The first time I used temporary plates, I forgot my ID card and had to deal with the police on the spot, wasting an extra half hour. Now, I always keep my documents in the car's glove compartment. I advise new drivers to pay attention to this to avoid last-minute panic. Road safety is the top priority, and having all your documents in order gives peace of mind.
