What to Do If You Can't Get License Plates for a New Car During the Pandemic?
2 Answers
In areas severely affected by the pandemic, you can make an online appointment for processing. Car owners should pay attention to notifications from the local vehicle management office and can proceed with license plate registration on their own. If you have temporary license plates, you can use them. If the temporary plates are about to expire, you can apply for an extension.
Recently, I bought a new car but coincidentally encountered the situation where the DMV was closed due to the pandemic, making it impossible to get a license plate. I was really anxious, but after calming down, I thought of some solutions. First, I contacted the car dealer's salesperson to inquire about the situation. They have rich experience and can help apply for a temporary license plate online, which is usually valid for one month, allowing short-term driving, such as going to buy essentials, but not for long-distance trips. Meanwhile, I searched the official website of the traffic department and found that many cities have extension policies. For example, in our area, new cars without plates won't be fined within 90 days, which serves as a buffer period. It's advisable not to risk driving and to temporarily park the car in a safe garage until services resume to avoid getting into trouble if caught. Also, make sure to confirm insurance coverage for protection. Once the DMV services reopen, schedule an appointment on the app, prepare the car purchase invoice, insurance policy, and other necessary documents to get everything done in one go, saving time and effort, making the process much easier.