Is it necessary to install a license plate frame for a new car?
3 Answers
It is necessary to install a license plate frame for a new car, as it can prevent the car body from being scratched by the license plate. Installing a license plate frame can also reduce the possibility of theft, making it quite practical in terms of functionality. A license plate, commonly known as a car plate, is a panel hung separately at the front and rear of the car. The materials typically used include aluminum, iron, plastic, or paper, with the car's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information engraved on it. The license plate serves as a numbering and information registration system for vehicles. Its primary function is to identify the region to which the vehicle belongs through the license plate, and it also allows tracking the vehicle's owner and registration information based on the plate.
As for installing a license plate frame, I personally think it's quite necessary. When I first got my new car, I was considering whether to install one or not. Later, I saw my friend's license plate edges all scratched up by roadside branches, so I immediately went to the auto parts market and picked out an aluminum alloy one. After installing it, I realized this thing really can prevent a lot of trouble: the high-pressure water gun at the car wash won't directly hit the screw holes, and on rainy days, mud splashes won't stick to the edges of the license plate. However, be careful not to buy flashy styles with rhinestones—if they cover even half of the license plate numbers, traffic police will issue you a ticket in no time. Once, I saw a neighbor install a gold-trimmed frame, only to be asked to remove it on the spot during the annual inspection, wasting over 200 yuan. Now, after three years of driving, the frame still looks brand new, and the license plate doesn't have a single scratch.
From my experience, the most crucial aspect of installing a license plate frame is not to cross legal boundaries. During traffic stops, police officers primarily check if the frame obscures any numbers on the plate. Frames with flashy edges or tassels are generally non-compliant. I once witnessed a driver getting fined because his frame was excessively wide, covering half of the province abbreviation at the bottom edge of the plate. Actually, installing a frame itself isn’t illegal, but you must choose a plain, pattern-free design, ensuring at least a 5mm gap between the frame and the plate characters. Also, don’t skimp by buying plastic frames—they become brittle and crack after half a year of sun exposure, forcing you to replace them. For new cars, I recommend installing a matte black metal frame: it’s low-key, practical, and offers the best rust-proof and deformation-resistant performance.
