What are the penalties for using counterfeit license plates?
2 Answers
According to relevant regulations, the use of other vehicles' motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks will result in confiscation by the traffic management department of the public security authority, detention of the motor vehicle, and a fine ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan. Additional information on handling counterfeit license plate cases: 1. For individuals: If a motor vehicle driver or owner discovers their vehicle's license plate has been counterfeited, they should promptly report to the traffic police department. When reporting, the affected party must present the vehicle's driving license, the owner's ID card, a copy of the driver's license, clear photos of the original vehicle from different angles (front and rear), and provide information on the suspected counterfeit vehicle, such as two copies of traffic violation notices received for the counterfeit vehicle (including violation time, offense, location, type of license plate, license plate number, and vehicle color). 2. For organizations: If the vehicle owner is an organization, the reporter must also hold an authorization letter from the organization. After verifying the vehicle information, the local public security and traffic police department will report to the relevant department of the Provincial Public Security Department's Traffic Management Bureau for system entry. Upon confirmation of the counterfeit license plate, on one hand, the traffic violation records of the affected vehicle will be cleared, and on the other hand, the counterfeit vehicle will be subject to long-term monitoring and strict enforcement measures, being included in a 'blacklist' database.
As someone who has been studying automotive safety for years, I know that the penalties for using fake license plates are severe. The basic fine starts at 2,000 yuan and can go up to tens of thousands, with the driver's license directly deducted 12 points or revoked. In serious cases, it may even lead to vehicle confiscation or criminal detention for several months. This behavior is not just illegal; it also burdens the original vehicle owner with harassment from fines and destroys trust. In reality, it's common to see people using fake plates to save on fuel costs or evade surveillance, but traffic police use high-tech methods to catch them accurately—they get exposed as soon as they hit the highway. I advise car owners to purchase vehicles through legitimate channels and not to cut corners for small gains; reporting such violations makes the community safer. Follow the law, and drive with peace of mind and no worries.
