What to Do If the Temporary License Plate Expires?
3 Answers
If the formal license plate has not been processed yet, you need to apply for another temporary license plate. New cars cannot use temporary license plates for more than 15 days, and the owner should promptly apply for a formal license plate from the vehicle management authority. Each vehicle can apply for a maximum of 3 temporary license plates, which means the longest duration should not exceed 45 days. Below is the relevant information about temporary license plates: 1. Required application materials. (1) Original and photocopy of the vehicle qualification certificate (imported vehicles require import certificates); (2) Original and photocopy of the third copy of the compulsory traffic insurance; (3) Original and photocopy of the first copy of the car purchase invoice; (4) Original and photocopy of the owner's identity proof (if processed by an agent, the agent's original ID and photocopy are required); (5) Non-local owners need the original and photocopy of the temporary residence permit. 2. Relevant precautions. Driving a vehicle with an expired temporary license plate will result in penalties such as vehicle impoundment, fines, and a 12-point deduction. If a traffic accident occurs while driving with an expired or counterfeit temporary license plate, the insurance claim may not be processed smoothly.
I once had an expired temporary license plate last spring—totally my fault for forgetting the renewal date. That day, while driving to work, I got pulled over by traffic police for a routine check. They noticed the plate had been expired for over a week, resulting in an immediate 200-yuan fine and penalty points. I panicked and parked right away, not daring to drive further. I rushed to the nearby DMV that same day to reapply. They had me fill out a form and pay 50 yuan, and after an hour, I got a new plate. For new cars, they suggested applying for a permanent plate right away to avoid future hassles. Since then, I’ve set calendar reminders to check the validity every three months. Don’t make my mistake—driving with an expired plate is risky. If an accident happens, insurance might not cover it. Bottom line: address issues immediately instead of procrastinating and wasting money.
I'm always extra cautious when it comes to car-related matters, as an expired temporary license plate is no trivial issue. A friend of mine once overlooked his expired plate and drove for a few days, only to receive a ticket and a warning about possible license suspension. So my principle is: once it's expired, don't drive immediately. First, find a document to confirm the exact expiration date, then directly contact the traffic management department or vehicle administration office to inquire about renewal procedures. They usually require you to bring your ID and vehicle certification for reapplication, with fees ranging from 30 to 100 yuan depending on the region. Avoid driving during the waiting period—don't take chances. In the long run, if you often forget, consider applying for a permanent plate in advance to save time and hassle. Remember, safety first—don't let small issues turn into big troubles.
