To what extent should a license plate be repainted before replacement?

[JuneMarie]

If the background color or character color of the license plate shows significant fading, the reflective performance of the characters is inconsistent, or the background reflection is uneven, affecting the recognition of the motor vehicle license plate, then a new license plate should be replaced. Other situations requiring replacement: Damage to the mounting holes of the license plate or other physical or chemical damage; incomplete motor vehicle registration number; severe breakage, damage, or illegible characters on the motor vehicle license plate; license plates that are soiled, deformed, or damaged should be replaced promptly. Method for replacing a license plate: The owner of the motor vehicle should apply for a replacement at the vehicle management office where the vehicle is registered. When applying, the owner should fill out an application form and submit proof of identity. The vehicle management office will review the submitted documents and proofs, retrieve the undestroyed, lost, or damaged license plate and registration certificate, and reissue or replace the license plate within 15 days from the date of acceptance, with the original motor vehicle license plate number remaining unchanged.

[LeArcher]

When the license plate's paint peels off to the point where the numbers or letters become unreadable, it's time to replace it. According to our country's regulations, license plates must be clearly legible; otherwise, they won't pass the annual inspection, and you might even get fined 200 yuan by traffic police. I've seen many car owners stuck at highway toll booths because large chunks of paint peeled off, causing numbers to have missing corners or become blurry, which is really inconvenient. Generally speaking, if the peeling area exceeds 30% of the plate's surface or half of a number becomes unreadable, you should promptly apply for a new plate at the vehicle management office. Replacing a plate isn't expensive—just a few dozen yuan—much cheaper than a fine, and the process is simple: just bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate. Regularly check the condition of your license plate, as prolonged exposure to wind and sun can easily cause the paint to peel. Don't wait until a small issue becomes a big problem before taking action.

[OMartin]

If the paint on your license plate is peeling to the point where it affects recognition, such as broken numbers or faded reflective coating, it's time to get a new plate. Having driven for over a decade, I've encountered several instances where traffic cameras couldn't clearly capture my plate number, resulting in receiving violation notices and the hassle of appealing. Severe paint peeling makes it even harder to clean when dirt accumulates, and winter icing makes it worse. Don't delay replacing your plate—visit your local DMV to get a new one. Prepare the vehicle owner's documents and the old plate, fill out a form, and it's done. The cost is just a nominal fee of a few dozen yuan. When parking, try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or chemical substances to protect your plate's cleanliness and prevent minor scratches from worsening. Replace it early to save yourself the trouble and avoid being stopped for inspection while out, which could waste your time.

[McGabrielle]

When the license plate paint is severely worn out, it's time for a replacement. If the numbers are blurred or missing chunks to the point of being unreadable, you should get a new plate. Here's a simple self-check: examine the plate under light to see if the characters are intact and the color is even. If the paint is peeling off in an area larger than a coin size, or if there are missing strokes, replace it immediately. Replacing the plate at the DMV is quick—just bring all the required documents to get it done in one go, avoiding being pulled over on the road. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your license plate.