Is it necessary to report to the police if one license plate is lost?
2 Answers
It is mandatory to report the loss of a license plate to the police. When a license plate is lost, you must file a report with the police and then go to the local police station to register the case. Otherwise, criminals may use the lost plate as a fake plate, attributing illegal activities to the original owner of the plate. Below are the materials required for replacing a lost license plate: 1. Vehicle registration certificate; 2. The owner's ID card and a copy; 3. Application form for motor vehicle license plate, which can be obtained at the vehicle management office; 4. If both plates are stolen, a police report is required; 5. If only one plate is lost, the other must also be removed and brought to the vehicle management office, as replacements are issued in pairs.
As a seasoned driver, I've encountered the situation of losing a license plate several times. The license plate is like the car's business card, and if one is missing, you must report it to the police immediately for record-keeping—this is very important. This is because some people in society might pick up lost plates and attach them to smuggled or stolen vehicles to commit crimes, such as speeding caught by traffic cameras or engaging in illegal transactions. When the police check the records, they will trace it back to you, and you'll have to put in a lot of effort to prove your innocence, possibly even facing fines. After reporting to the police and obtaining the record-keeping proof, you can go to the vehicle management office to apply for a replacement plate. It takes some time and costs just a few dozen dollars to get it done. The whole process isn’t too troublesome, but delaying it increases the risks. Usually, while driving, pay attention to whether the screws are loose, and adding an anti-theft device can prevent such issues. In short, for safety’s sake, never cut corners.
