What is the difference between a used car with a license plate and one without?
2 Answers
The difference between a used car with a license plate and one without mainly lies in the vehicle registration process. Below are the detailed differences between the two: 1. Difference Details: The distinction between a used car with a license plate and one without lies in the subsequent vehicle transfer process. A used car with a license plate does not require registration after purchase, whereas a used car without a license plate needs to be registered after purchase. 2. Considerations: Used cars without license plates are generally vehicles that have reached their service life and been scrapped, or military vehicles converted for civilian use. The subsequent registration procedures for such vehicles can be quite cumbersome.
When buying or selling a used car, I always have to consider whether it comes with a license plate or not. A 'with plate' deal means the car and its license plate are sold together, allowing me to drive immediately using the existing plate, saving the time and cost of applying for a new one. For instance, in cities like Shanghai with license plate restrictions, plates are obtained through auctions or lotteries and can cost tens of thousands, so cars with plates naturally command higher prices. Without a plate, the car is cheaper, but I'd have to personally visit the DMV to select a new plate, endure the lottery queue, and spend over a week on the process. Policy changes add to the hassle—sudden traffic restrictions can complicate transfer procedures, and when buying a car with a plate, it's crucial to verify the plate's history is clean to avoid fines or disputes. Opting for a car with a plate costs more but offers peace of mind; going without means more patience and effort.
