What to Do If Your License Plate Washed Away in Heavy Rain?

[Chad]

Carry the vehicle owner's ID card and other documents for the traffic police to trace the vehicle number. Pry off the remaining license plate, then fill out two forms and submit them along with the plate at the license plate replacement window. Receive a temporary vehicle license plate and replacement procedures. Before the temporary plate expires, visit the DMV with it to collect a new set of replacement license plates.

[LaNoah]

Last time I went on a self-drive trip and encountered a heavy rainstorm, my license plate was completely washed away. My first reaction was to pull over immediately and turn on the hazard lights. Never try to tough it out and keep driving—if you're caught on camera, it's considered intentional concealment of the license plate, and you'll lose all 12 points on your license! First, call 122 to report the location where the plate was lost, then go to the police station to get a certificate. Don’t skip this step, or the traffic police will spend ages verifying your case when you apply for a replacement. On the same day, I rushed to the DMV with my ID and vehicle registration, filled out the 'Motor Vehicle License/Plate Application Form,' paid a 20-yuan processing fee, and got a temporary paper plate in half an hour. Now, it takes 15 days to get the replacement metal plate. During this period, remember to stick the temporary plate on the lower right corner of the front windshield and the lower left corner of the rear windshield, making sure the wipers don’t block it.

[Tammy]

My old car suffered from heavy rain before, so here's some practical advice: If you find your license plate missing, immediately pull over, call the police to report it, and take photos of your car without plates as evidence. Bring your original ID (if you're not the owner, a power of attorney is needed) and the vehicle registration certificate to the DMV. If you choose to have the new plates mailed, remember to bring your bank card for payment. During the plate replacement period, drive carefully: Make sure the temporary plate is placed correctly, avoid long-distance trips and highways, and keep the police report receipt in the trunk for inspection. Afterward, install anti-theft screws for the new plates to feel secure—tightening all four screws makes them much more secure than the factory installation.

[SanCalvin]

I deeply understand the frustration of losing a license plate during heavy rain – mine was washed away by floodwaters while parked downstairs at home. Many people aren't aware of the insurance claim process: first file a police report for documentation, then contact your insurer. Comprehensive auto insurance covers natural disaster damages, and my insurer reimbursed both the 100 yuan plate replacement fee and 20 yuan temporary plate fee. Three crucial reminders: ensure the police report clearly states the loss reason; keep the DMV's official receipt; complete the replacement process within 48 hours to avoid claim rejection. After getting new plates, I installed anti-washout mesh on the front and secured the rear plate in a locked frame – now I'm much calmer during storms.

[LeDonovan]

My traffic police friend told me the handling process must be standardized: Within 12 hours of losing the plate, bring your documents to the local traffic police squadron to file a report and obtain the "Motor Vehicle License Plate Loss Certificate". The replacement fees include 5 yuan for a temporary plate and 100 yuan for the formal license plate. Be sure to keep all receipts. Key reminder: Driving without obtaining a temporary plate will result in a 12-point deduction. When receiving new plates, verify that the fixed screw codes match those on the vehicle registration certificate. It's recommended to check for loosening of front and rear license plate frames after rain. For older vehicles, it's best to replace them with stainless steel license plate frames and ensure all four screw holes are fully secured for safety.

[OAiden]

As a decade-long auto repair technician who has handled dozens of license plate theft cases, here are practical tips: If you discover a missing plate, first record a 360-degree panoramic video with your phone as evidence, then contact 122 for remote case filing. When applying for a replacement plate, bring three essential items: the vehicle owner's ID (notarized authorization required if not the owner), vehicle registration certificate, and police report receipt. One often-overlooked detail during new plate installation: wrap the folded edge of the plate with a towel before inserting it into the license plate frame to prevent rattling and theft. Finally, highly recommend spring-loaded anti-theft screws with internal barb mechanisms - the harder the external force, the tighter they grip. Though ¥8 more expensive than regular screws, they provide lifetime theft protection.