
Temporary license plates can be affixed using ordinary tape, 3M electrical insulating tape, or double-sided tape. A temporary motor vehicle license plate is a paper license plate issued by the vehicle department of the public security authority, allowing the vehicle to be driven on the road temporarily, usually valid for no more than 30 days. Temporary license plates are categorized into: 1. Temporary plates for use within the administrative jurisdiction; 2. Temporary plates for use across administrative jurisdictions; 3. Temporary plates for testing purposes; 4. Temporary plates for special-type motor vehicles. Temporary license plates should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, in a position that does not obstruct the driver's view, to ensure driving safety. Temporary license plates refer to temporary vehicle movement permits issued by the vehicle management department of the public security authority before the vehicle is officially registered due to the processing of certain procedures.

When I first bought my car, I also wondered how to attach the temporary license plate. The salesperson told me the simplest way is to use a static cling sticker, just like applying a screen protector—peel off the backing and stick it to the glass, then slide the temporary plate inside. The bottom left corner of the front windshield is the most suitable spot, and the rear windshield should also have it in the bottom left corner, making sure not to block your view. I once tried using transparent tape directly, but when it was time to replace it with the official plate, removing the adhesive residue was a pain. Remember to use high-quality static cling stickers, as some low-quality ones start peeling at the edges after just a couple of days. Before applying, clean the dust off the inside of the glass to avoid bubbles that affect the appearance. While driving, check to ensure it’s firmly attached—if it falls off due to bumps and gets spotted by traffic police, you’ll be in trouble.

There are three key points to consider when attaching temporary license plates: position, method, and material. The lower left corner of the windshield is the fixed position, and the same applies to the lower left corner of the rear window. It is recommended to use dedicated static cling stickers—simply peel off the transparent protective film and press it directly onto the glass, allowing the temporary plate to be embedded in the interlayer. If static cling stickers are unavailable, using hook-and-loop fasteners or 3M residue-free tape as an emergency solution is acceptable. However, avoid using regular tape, as the adhesive residue left behind during removal can be maddening for perfectionists. When attaching, ensure all four corners are firmly pressed down to prevent the plate from flapping noisily at high speeds. Temporary plates must be flat and securely fastened; crooked or loose plates may lead to being pulled over for vehicle information checks.

Proper positioning is crucial when attaching temporary license plates. For the front windshield, choose the lower left or right corner, while the rear window plate should be placed on the lower left corner, making sure to avoid wiper areas. In terms of method, I highly recommend using static cling films - they're transparent, leave no residue, and can be washed and reused when dirty. Nowadays, you can buy ten sheets online for just a few dollars, which is more cost-effective than getting them from a 4S shop. Some people use suction cup mounts, but these tend to fall off on bumpy roads. During installation, first clean the glass surface, remove the protective film from the static cling, press firmly on the corners for ten seconds, then smoothly insert the temporary plate into the interlayer. When checking, view it from multiple angles outside the car to ensure it's not creating a reflective effect that could hinder identification.

There are actually tricks to attaching temporary license plates: The most standard position is the lower left corner of the front and rear windshields. The preferred tool is an electrostatic sticker film, which works similarly to a screen protector, adhering through static electricity without damaging the glass. When applying, first align the position, quickly peel off the backing and press it flat, then insert the temporary plate into the interlayer. Suction cup mounts are suitable for short-term use, but prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause them to fall off. In emergencies, you can apply a small amount of residue-free glue to the four corners, but never use double-sided tape—you'll regret it when cleaning. After attaching, check the firmness and ensure it doesn’t obstruct the dashboard while driving. Proper attachment avoids fines and makes it easier for traffic police to identify vehicle information.

Based on my observations, there are currently three main methods for attaching temporary license plates: electrostatic stickers are the most popular. You stick the adhesive side to the lower left corner of the windshield, slide the temporary plate into the transparent pocket, and it can be removed without damaging the car when replaced. The second method is using a suction cup holder, suitable for owners who want to avoid glue, but the suction cup may loosen as it ages. The last is an emergency makeshift method, using transparent tape to stick the four corners, but cleaning the leftover adhesive can be a hassle. Important reminder: No matter which method you choose, ensure the temporary plate is smoothly and securely attached to the lower left corner of both the front and rear windshields, avoiding any obstruction of vision or interference with rearview mirror observation. After attaching, roll down the window to check the effect, ensuring the numbers are clearly visible without glare.


