What are the penalties for altering motor vehicle license plates?
3 Answers
Using forged or altered motor vehicle license plates will result in the illegal plates being confiscated by the public security authorities according to law, and the motor vehicle with forged or altered license plates will be impounded. The motor vehicle driver will also be subject to detention for up to 15 days and a fine. If a traffic accident occurs and constitutes a crime, criminal liability will also be pursued.
I just saw someone asking about this and remembered a friend's experience of being fined. Trying to save trouble, he altered his license plate, got caught, and was fined 5,000 yuan in cash. On top of that, all 12 points were deducted, his driver's license was revoked, and he had to retake the theoretical test until he was dizzy. Even worse, he was detained for 15 days, couldn't go home, and his work was delayed. The traffic police said this wasn't a minor offense—it could also affect insurance claims, meaning no payout in case of an accident. I advise everyone to drive honestly and avoid such tricks. Traffic fines are one thing, but altering license plates is playing with fire—once caught, your car might even be confiscated. Remember, just check that your plates aren’t obstructed before hitting the road. Safety first.
As someone who has been closely following traffic laws, I must say the penalties for altering license plates are extremely severe. Typically, fines range from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan, which can instantly empty your wallet. What's worse is the immediate deduction of 12 points, rendering your driver's license invalid and requiring you to retake the test before you can drive again. Even more troublesome is the administrative detention, which can last up to 15 days—certainly not a pleasant experience. In severe cases, such as causing an accident and fleeing the scene, it could escalate to criminal liability, with potential jail time. I recommend that car owners develop the habit of regularly checking their license plates to keep them clean and avoid being mistaken for illegal alterations. Trying to save money on fines by breaking the law is not worth the risk—the cost of violating the law is too high. In the long run, it can also damage your credit record, making it difficult to even secure a loan for a car purchase.
