What are the disadvantages of buying a car with an out-of-town license plate?

2 Answers
MacAustin
07/25/25 12:30am
Here are the drawbacks of registering a car with an out-of-town license plate: 1. Difficulties in replacement: If the driving license or license plate is lost, it can only be replaced at the vehicle's registration location. A vehicle without a license plate does not have the legal right to drive on the road. Forcing it onto the road may result in penalties such as a 12-point deduction, so you must immediately go to the out-of-town location to replace it. 2. Annual inspection hassle: Except for a few cities, during the annual inspection, you must first go to the vehicle's registration location to complete procedures such as a power of attorney. 3. Inconvenient travel: Most cities restrict out-of-town vehicles from entering elevated roads during certain periods. Some central and bustling areas in cities also have traffic restrictions. 4. Complicated resale transactions: If a locally used car with an out-of-town license plate has an emission standard of National III, it cannot be traded locally due to the inability to transfer files across regions. Even if the transaction is conducted at the vehicle's registration location, since the vehicle is not frequently used there, used car dealers may not fully understand its condition, which can affect the price.
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SanJaxson
08/10/25 3:46pm
As a daily commuter who drives to work, buying an out-of-town licensed car has often made me regret it. The main issue is the traffic restriction policies—major cities like Beijing and Shanghai restrict out-of-town vehicles from entering urban areas during peak hours. I have to spend extra money on urban entry permits, otherwise, I have to take detours, waste time, and risk salary deductions for being late. Annual inspections are another hassle, as they must be done in the licensed city. Last year, I took a day off to drive back to my hometown for the inspection, spending hundreds on gas and tolls—far less convenient than a local car. Handling fines is even more frustrating. After a traffic violation, I have to either go back to pay the fine or deal with an overly complicated online process. Local parking applications prioritize local cars, and out-of-town licensed vehicles are often rejected, with higher fees. Additionally, when environmental requirements tighten, out-of-town cars face stricter restrictions, affecting daily use. Overall, while buying an out-of-town licensed car may seem cheaper upfront, the subsequent costs and hassles are unbearable.
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