What are the installation regulations for license plate screws and seals?
4 Answers
License plate screw and seal installation regulations: 1. The screws used for license plates are generally provided by the vehicle management office, which usually supplies 4 screws. These screws are imprinted with Chinese characters representing the local abbreviation and the code letters of the issuing authority; 2. If there are 4 holes in the installation position, 4 screws must be installed. If there are not, at least 2 screws must be installed. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in penalty points and fines. If the staff only provides 4 sealing screws but the vehicle owner needs 8, they can request 4 more from the staff. If purchasing additional sealing screws independently, choose screws with anti-theft notches to effectively prevent license plate theft. Regulations require that license plate frames must be fixed-type, and easily replaceable or detachable frames are not permitted.
I remember the regulations on license plate screw fastening are quite strict, mainly to prevent fake or stolen plates. When driving, the license plate must be secured with officially designated fastening screws, which are not ordinary—they have a sealed cap on top. Once screwed in, they cannot be removed without being destroyed, preventing tampering. According to regulations, the screws must be tightened properly in one go during installation, with the caps intact and the plate firmly secured without wobbling. If not installed correctly, traffic police may issue a fine or even deduct points. I learned this the hard way once and later made sure to replace them properly. The key point is that these screws must be obtained from the vehicle management office or provided during vehicle registration—never use substitute screws, as the risks are high. Regularly check that the caps are undamaged and keep them clean to avoid trouble, as road identification relies entirely on them.
When I help friends install license plates, I always emphasize the use of anti-theft screws. These specialized screws have a tamper-proof design—once screwed in, the cap locks in place, and removing it will inevitably damage the cap. Before installation, clean the holes to ensure no dust or debris is present, then tighten the screws slowly without excessive force to avoid damage. The screws must be original ones from the DMV; ordinary screws cannot be used as substitutes. After installation, check that the plate is stable and doesn’t wobble. Common issues include screws not being tightened properly or caps falling off, so I remind them to fix these problems promptly to avoid unsafe driving. During the process, use well-fitted tools and avoid rough handling—attention to detail is key to prevent fines.
The core function of license plate fastening screws is safety and anti-counterfeiting. If not securely installed, others can easily remove and replace the license plate for illegal activities, harming both others and yourself. Regulations require the use of one-time tightening screws, and the sealing cover must not be damaged. I found that if the sealing cover is broken, it becomes invalid and must be replaced immediately. Before each drive, take a quick glance at the license plate screws—don’t slack off or ignore it. Safety comes first.
