What are the penalties for motorcycles without license plates?
3 Answers
According to the "Road Traffic Law," the penalty is 12 demerit points. Here is the relevant information: 1. Motor vehicle license plates: Motor vehicles driven on the road must display license plates. Temporary license plates applied for must be replaced with new temporary plates or official plates before expiration. Expired temporary plates are invalid and considered as no license plates, and driving with them will be severely penalized. 2. Temporary license plates: Vehicles that have not obtained official plates after the expiration of temporary plates can apply for temporary plates again. For the second application, the owner's identity proof and a copy of the compulsory traffic accident liability insurance must be photocopied on the same sheet, and the previously used temporary plates must be surrendered.
I've studied a lot of traffic regulations before, and the penalties for not properly displaying a motorcycle license plate are quite severe. If caught by traffic police, the vehicle will be impounded on the spot as per legal provisions to prevent increased accident risks from illegal riding. The fine typically ranges from 200 to 2000 yuan, with the amount varying by region and severity—often higher in urban centers. The most severe penalty is the immediate deduction of 12 points, equivalent to a direct license revocation, requiring retaking both the theoretical and road tests—a process that takes at least a week. From what I've learned from others, many overlook issues caused by loose temporary plates or fasteners, ending up with fines and unnecessary hassle. I recommend thoroughly checking the license plate mount before riding, especially when buying a used motorcycle—ensure all paperwork is complete before hitting the road to avoid trouble. Safety first—this small habit is crucial; don't wait until you're fined to regret it.
Once I rode my motorcycle out without properly displaying the license plate, and got stopped at an intersection—a hard lesson learned. Not only was the bike towed, but I also got fined 500 yuan plus penalty points, which was a disaster. It took me two weeks of reviewing and retaking the test to sort it out. Now when I talk about it with friends, they all agree that such penalties are justified—traffic laws strictly punish unlicensed vehicles to ensure safety. Fines can start from 200 yuan and go up to 2,000, with penalty points reset to zero, requiring a retake of the driving test. First-time offenders might get lighter penalties, but the risks are too high. I advise new riders to pay special attention during vehicle handover, ensuring all documents and plates are in order—don’t cut corners for convenience. Regularly check if the license plate fasteners are loose with simple tools; a small preventive step can avoid major trouble. The penalties aren’t just about money—they disrupt your entire routine. Learn from the experience and move on.
