What is the penalty for driving with one missing license plate?

[LeJasmine]

According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the motor vehicle license plate must be displayed, along with the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark, and the motor vehicle driving license must be carried with the vehicle. The motor vehicle license plate should be displayed as required and kept clear and intact, and must not be deliberately obscured or damaged. "Failure to install the motor vehicle license plate as required" will result in a fine and 6 demerit points. According to Article 16 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China", no unit or individual may engage in the following acts: 1. Do not alter the registered structure of a motor vehicle without authorization: Do not assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization. 2. Do not change the model of the motor vehicle: Do not change the model, engine number, chassis number, or vehicle identification code of the motor vehicle. 3. Do not forge, alter, or use forged motor vehicle registration certificates: Do not forge, alter, or use forged or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks. 4. Do not use other motor vehicles' registration certificates, etc.: Do not use other motor vehicles' registration certificates, license plates, driving licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks.

[McMiles]

Last year, I drove out without tightening the rear license plate and got pulled over by traffic police halfway. They checked and said an incomplete license plate counts as a violation, directly issuing a 200-yuan fine and deducting 12 points—felt really unlucky. At the time, I wondered why a missing plate was such a big deal. Turns out, the law treats license plates as a vehicle’s ID, crucial for traffic systems to track violations. Missing one can create safety risks, like hit-and-runs or speeding without accountability. Since then, I always check if the plate screws are loose before driving and even keep a reminder tag in the car to avoid repeating the mistake. If you lose a plate, rush to the DMV for a replacement—don’t delay, or you’ll risk fines and a tarnished driving record.