What to Do If the License Plate Mounting Hole Is Broken?

[DelAlana]

The solution for a broken license plate mounting hole is to go to the vehicle management office for a replacement or to re-fix the license plate with rivets. You can also remove and weld a bolt, apply anti-rust treatment, or offset the screw hole position by drilling a new hole on the license plate. The license plate is the abbreviation for the vehicle registration plate and the vehicle driving license. Below are the steps for installing a license plate: 1. Take out the rivet nut and the riveting tool, and first install the rivet nut onto the riveting tool; 2. Use the riveting tool to rivet the nut onto the car's bumper; 3. Secure the license plate bracket onto the four holes of the license plate, fixing the license plate to the bumper; 4. Press the burrs on the license plate bracket onto the bracket itself.

[VanJames]

I've encountered the issue of a broken license plate mounting hole before, and it's something you can fix yourself. First, check which hole is damaged. If it's just a worn-out screw hole, you can use flat washers from a hardware store to pad it before tightening the screw. If the hole is completely ruined, you'll need to drill a new small hole near the edge of the license plate using an electric drill and secure it with an appropriate screw. I recommend using self-tapping screws and applying moderate force to avoid cracking the plate. Always prioritize safety—wear gloves to prevent cuts. After the repair, shake the plate to ensure it's secure before driving; a loose plate not only risks a fine but also poses a hazard to other vehicles. Regularly inspect undercarriage components during car washes to catch minor issues before they escalate. This is a practical DIY tip. The total cost is just a few bucks, and if you lack tools, borrowing from a friend is an easy and economical solution.

[LeDaisy]

Having driven for so many years, a broken license plate hole is a common minor issue. The simplest solution is to temporarily secure it with strong adhesive tape, such as wrapping the plate and car body tightly with tape, then immediately drive to a nearby repair shop. The mechanic will inspect it for free to determine whether to replace the screws or add a bracket for repair. The cost is low, around 10 yuan for small tools. Additionally, it's wise to keep some spare screws in the car for emergencies. A loose license plate is no small matter—getting fined by traffic police is one thing, but the real scare is if it falls off on the highway and hits a following car. I've seen many cars with issues due to aging screws, so a simple monthly check for wear on all screw holes can save major trouble. Keeping the license plate secure is both safe and compliant, requiring little effort for peace of mind while driving.

[Phillips]

If the license plate hole is broken, it needs to be fixed immediately. Otherwise, the plate may wobble and fall off while driving, which could be dangerous if a rear-end collision occurs. I usually try tightening it with a larger screw first. If that doesn’t work, I use some adhesive to secure it temporarily before heading to a professional shop. Simple fixes can prevent hazards—don’t delay and risk escalating the issue. Such problems are often caused by screw aging, so regularly checking your vehicle’s components can help avoid them.