Is it necessary to display a temporary license plate on a motorcycle?
2 Answers
Yes, it is necessary. The Traffic Management Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of China issued a notice on March 6, 2014, regarding the implementation of the industry standard GA36-2014 "Motor Vehicle License Plates of the People's Republic of China." According to this standard and the requirements of GB7258-2012, motorcycles are only required to display a rear license plate and do not need a front license plate. This standard has been in effect since January 24, 2014. Here is some information about temporary license plates: 1. A temporary license plate is a paper motor vehicle license plate that permits temporary road use, issued by the vehicle management department of the public security bureau for newly purchased vehicles before official registration. 2. A temporary license plate serves as an interim plate before the owner obtains the official license plate. It has the same legal effect as the official license plate and becomes invalid once the official license plate is obtained.
As a driver who has long been paying attention to vehicle regulations, I am well aware that temporary license plates for motorcycles need to be displayed and must be mounted in a visible location on the vehicle as required, such as near the rear fender or front fork. Chinese traffic laws strictly stipulate that new motorcycles or those undergoing ownership transfer must display a valid temporary license plate before they can be driven on the road. Otherwise, if caught by traffic police, a fine of at least 200-500 RMB will be imposed, and the vehicle may even be temporarily impounded. Temporary license plates are typically valid for only about 15 days. Displaying one serves as a reminder to promptly visit the vehicle management office to complete the formal license plate conversion process, avoiding the risks associated with driving with an expired plate. When mounting the temporary plate, ensure it is securely fastened to prevent it from being blown off by the wind or damaged by rain—simply using a waterproof clip will suffice. I once encountered a case where someone was involved in an accident without displaying a temporary plate, and the insurance company refused to cover the damages, nearly leading to a court dispute. Therefore, don’t take it lightly—spending a few minutes to properly mount the temporary plate ensures peace of mind, convenience, and compliance with the law.
