What is a temporary license plate?

[DallasDella]

Temporary license plates are paper motor vehicle license plates that allow temporary road use, issued by the vehicle management department of the public security authority for newly purchased vehicles before official registration. The validity period of temporary plates generally does not exceed thirty days, and there are four types: temporary plates for administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for cross-administrative jurisdictions, temporary plates for testing purposes, and temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. Two temporary plates should be affixed simultaneously: one in the upper right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view and is not covered by the compulsory traffic insurance label; the other should be affixed in the upper left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle.

[KatherineRose]

When I bought my car, I used a temporary license plate, which was a paper-based temporary tag. The 4S store staff stuck it on the front windshield and rear window, saying it was necessary for legal driving before the official metal plate arrived. I remember that yellow paper with black text had both provincial and inter-provincial versions, with a maximum validity of 30 days. Placing the temporary plate was very particular—it had to be on the bottom right corner of the front windshield and the bottom left corner of the rear window; otherwise, the police would pull you over for a lecture. Once, my friend drove with an expired temporary plate for three days and got fined 200 yuan with 3 penalty points—it hurt! The funniest was a guy who forgot to stick his temporary plate and left it in the trunk. He got pulled over right after leaving the 4S store, wasting half a day for nothing.

[SanGiselle]

As someone who frequently helps friends apply for temporary license plates, I must remind you to prepare these materials: original ID card, vehicle certificate, compulsory traffic insurance policy, and car purchase invoice. Just fill out an application form at the DMV window, and it usually takes about half an hour to complete. Pay special attention to the validity period marked in the upper right corner of the temporary plate—blue frames indicate local temporary plates, while brown frames are for cross-province use. Remember to have the 4S store help you affix it in the correct position on the day you pick up the car. Last time, my neighbor drove onto the elevated road without a temporary plate and got 9 points deducted immediately. Nowadays, traffic violations with temporary plates are still penalized—speeding or running red lights will all be counted against the vehicle owner. If you ask me, the most hassle-free option is to get a nationwide temporary plate, which is convenient for both business trips and travel.

[DelJeffrey]

When I first got my new car, the salesperson gave me a temporary paper license plate and said it was valid for a month. I found it quite amazing that sticking it on the window could replace the metal plate. However, there are two types to note: the blue-lettered one is only valid within the province, while frequent travelers like me need to get the yellow-lettered national version. Never drive with an expired temporary plate—last year, I accompanied a friend to the DMV and saw a car owner pleading with a plate that had been expired for three days, but still got fined 200 yuan. According to the new traffic regulations, temporary-plated vehicles must have plates firmly affixed both front and rear when driving on highways. Last time at a service area, I saw a car with only the front plate being stopped and lectured by traffic police. I’ve heard that even temporary plates can be caught by cameras for violations, so don’t take any chances.