What to Do If License Plate Gets Bent?

[McCarlos]

If the license plate is slightly bent, you can straighten it by hand. However, if it is severely bent, you need to report it and replace it promptly. The motor vehicle license plate should remain clear and intact. You can bring the vehicle registration certificate, ID card, and the license plate to the vehicle management office to apply for a replacement. The new traffic regulations specify the following requirements for license plate installation: 1. Fixed license plate frames can be used, but the inner edge of the frame must be more than 5cm away from the edge of the license plate number. 2. The license plate frame must not display any logos, characters, decorative patterns, or obstruct the license plate. 3. When installing the license plate, special fasteners must be used. The fasteners must display the Chinese character representing the province, autonomous region, or municipality and the letter representing the issuing authority. 4. Each motor vehicle should be equipped with 8 new-style fasteners. 5. Unless restricted by the vehicle, all 4 mounting holes for the front and rear license plates must be fitted with fasteners.

[DelKing]

My license plate was accidentally bent, possibly from scraping against a wall corner while parking or someone accidentally bumping into it. I first parked the car properly and carefully inspected the extent of the bend. Then, I used pliers or a hammer wrapped in cloth to gently straighten it, being careful not to apply too much force to avoid breaking it. I wore gloves to protect my hands during the process. If the restoration effect is poor and the plate information becomes blurry, I need to go to the vehicle management office as soon as possible to apply for a replacement. The cost is usually around 100 yuan, and I just need to bring my driver's license and ID card. It's a good habit to check the license plate before driving to ensure the numbers are clearly visible. Otherwise, I might be stopped by traffic police and fined 200 yuan, which could also affect driving safety.

[Elliott]

Last time my license plate was maliciously bent, which felt really unlucky. I tried to straighten it with household tools, but the effect was limited, leaving some areas with creases, and I almost made it worse. I realized that a bent license plate could affect recognition and might lead to misunderstandings or fines while driving. So, I immediately took photos as evidence, contacted the property management of my community to check the surveillance footage, and reported it to the police promptly. If the repair fails, I went to a repair shop and spent some money to get a new plate, also adding a license plate protective frame to prevent further damage. My advice is not to delay in such situations—protecting your privacy is key.

[CollinMarie]

As a family driver who often travels with children, my license plate was once bent due to roadside parking. My first reaction was to check if the numbers were still readable. If not, I tried to straighten it with simple tools, but it's more hassle-free to go directly to a professional shop. Replacing a new plate isn't expensive, costing less than a hundred yuan. What's important is ensuring the safety of the children, as an unclear license plate might cause delays in emergencies. For daily parking, I choose more secure spots and install rubber frames to reduce collision risks. These small steps can make my car more reliable.