What are the regulations for car license plate screws?
3 Answers
License plate fixing screws must be provided by the local vehicle management office as specialized screws, which are anti-theft screws that cannot be reused once damaged. Below are the relevant regulations for car license plates: Regulations on the installation position of license plates: According to national standards, in the direction of the vehicle's forward movement, the front license plate should be placed in the middle or right side of the front, and the rear license plate should be placed in the middle or left side of the rear. License plate installation requirements: Specialized fixing devices for motor vehicle license plates must be used. The fixing devices should be complete and securely installed, with the inner edge of the license plate frame being more than 5mm away from the edge of the motor vehicle number characters.
I remember when I first bought my car, the license plate screws were installed by the 4S dealership. They used those small anti-theft screws that require a special tool to remove, preventing others from stealing the plates. Later, when I moved to a different city, I noticed that regulations vary slightly by location—for example, screws must be made of rust-resistant material, and you can't just use ordinary nails or plastic ones, or you'll run into trouble during vehicle inspections. I once tried replacing the screws myself but ended up choosing ones that were too big and got stuck in the frame holes, forcing me to go to a shop for a reinstall. The key is to tighten each screw diagonally during installation to ensure the plate is secure and doesn’t wobble, especially since loosening at high speeds can be dangerous. For new drivers, I’d recommend checking local traffic regulations first—though small, these screws have a big impact on safety.
Common issues with license plate screws in our auto repair shop revolve around size standards, such as M6 anti-theft type, which must be made of stainless steel to prevent rust and corrosion that could lead to loosening. During installation, it's essential to use a torque wrench to tighten the screws diagonally, ensuring the license plate sits flat and snug against the rear of the vehicle. Requirements vary by region; for example, anti-theft screws must feature special groove designs to prevent unauthorized removal, which could facilitate fraud. I also recommend customers use kits that include washers and caps to protect the car body from scratches and reduce the risk of noise. Never opt for cheap, non-compliant screws—choosing the right ones helps avoid accidents or traffic violation fines.
