What Documents Are Required for Driving with Temporary License Plates?
3 Answers
When driving with temporary license plates, you must carry the original vehicle invoice and certificate of conformity for inspection, possess a valid driver's license, and ensure the temporary plates are within their validity period. Below is relevant information about temporary license plates: 1. Temporary license plates serve as transitional plates before the owner obtains the official ones. During this period, driving on the road requires the use of temporary plates, which hold the same legal effect as official plates. Once the official plates are acquired, the temporary plates become void. 2. The materials typically required for applying for temporary license plates include: the buyer's ID card, purchase invoice, copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy, and the vehicle's factory certificate of conformity. Copies of these four documents must also be carried. For imported vehicles, additional documents such as the import certificate and its copy are necessary. If the application is processed by a proxy, the original ID card and a copy of the proxy are also required.
Back when I first bought my car and drove with temporary plates, I learned not to take document preparation lightly! Remember to always carry: the temporary license plate itself, which must be affixed to the front windshield in a visible spot for easy inspection by traffic police; your driver's license, kept in your wallet or a bag you carry, don’t forget it; the compulsory traffic insurance policy, bring the original or a printed copy of the electronic version—letting it expire would be a disaster; and the car purchase invoice or vehicle factory certificate, carry the originals to prove you're the legal owner. Once, I forgot the invoice and got checked while driving out of town, which delayed me an hour to sort out the paperwork, ruining my trip. Temporary plates usually last just 15 to 30 days—driving beyond that risks being treated as an unlicensed vehicle, with fines starting at a few hundred bucks. Best to keep all documents in a small car organizer and double-check before heading out. Drive at safe speeds with temporary plates, and avoid long trips to prevent scrutiny. Also, take it easy during the new car break-in period—no need to rush into speeding. Developing this habit ensures safety, peace of mind, and avoids unnecessary trouble.
In my experience of assisting with vehicle procedures, I've noticed that carrying documents for temporary license plates is a basic yet easily overlooked point. Drivers must prepare: securely affix the temporary license plate, avoid using tape to stick it randomly; carry the driver's license personally, don't leave it to others; bring the original compulsory insurance policy, and verify its validity clearly; vehicle source documents such as the original purchase invoice must be complete. Once during a repair, I encountered an owner who forgot their insurance and had to pay thousands out of pocket after an accident. It's advisable to scan documents and store them in the cloud on your phone for backup. Temporary plates have a short validity, so switch to permanent plates as soon as possible. Also, don't ignore regional restrictions—some temporary plates are only valid locally and may be invalid outside the city. Before hitting the road, check the lights and brakes to ensure safety throughout the journey. Paying attention to these small details can help avoid tickets and save time.
