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

[OMolly]

After losing your license plate, the first thing you should do is report it to the police and file a case at the local police station to prevent it from being used illegally by others. If your license plate is washed away while driving, do not continue driving. Instead, call your insurance company, as they usually offer free towing services. Here are things you should NOT do if your license plate is washed away: 1. Driving with only one license plate is not allowed: Even if only one plate is missing, driving without it is considered intentional concealment of a license plate, punishable by a 200 yuan fine and 6 penalty points. 2. Do not forge a license plate: Some drivers may find it troublesome to apply for a replacement and decide to make their own plate. If caught, this is considered forgery of a license plate, punishable by 15 days of detention, vehicle impoundment, a fine ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 yuan, and 12 penalty points.

[KarterRose]

Last time it rained, my license plate was washed off by the rain, which was really troublesome, so I had to deal with it quickly. First, park in a safe place to check and confirm it's gone. Don't drive away in a hurry to avoid accidents or fines. Then, contact the local traffic police department or vehicle management office to report the loss. They will guide you through the process of applying for a replacement plate. Fill out a form, bring your ID card and vehicle registration, and usually, it costs around 100 yuan to get a new plate within a week. Driving without a plate is a violation, and you could face fines or even points deducted from your license. So, as a temporary measure, I wrote my license plate number on a piece of white paper and stuck it on the back of my car for emergency use. To prevent similar situations, make sure to tighten the screws properly. License plates are prone to loosening in the rain because they are exposed, and metal parts can rust while the force of water can be strong. Before driving, always shake the plate to check if it's secure. Safety first!

[Eleanor]

I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen this happen several times. Heavy rain can wash away license plates, especially on older cars with loose screws. Once, after returning from a market in a downpour, I noticed my license plate was missing. I pulled over and checked, realizing I couldn't drive without it. I immediately called the local DMV hotline, reported my vehicle number, and they instructed me to bring my documents and photos to reapply for a new plate and pay the fee. During the waiting period, I took a day off to avoid any trouble. A friend reminded me that a missing license plate is a major safety hazard—others can't clearly see your car number, which can lead to accidents. I always use reinforced screws and anti-rust washers when installing plates and make sure to check them before the rainy season. Don't take it lightly—small issues can turn into big problems!

[EmilyMarie]

Haha, I'm a new driver and never thought rain could wash away my license plate. That day when I went out and noticed it missing, I immediately pulled over, took out my phone to search for the local DMV address, brought my driver's license, filled out the form, and went through the simple process of getting a replacement plate. It cost a bit of money and took a few days. During that time, I avoided driving to prevent any trouble and just took taxis to get around. Chatting with friends later, I learned that license plates need to be securely fastened, with screws tightened regularly to prevent rust from water damage. Prevention is definitely much better than dealing with the aftermath.

[McLydia]

Losing your license plate is no small matter. Driving without a plate carries high legal risks, with fines of 200 yuan and possible demerit points affecting your record. Stop immediately and do not move the vehicle. Call the traffic police service hotline or visit the vehicle management office to report and apply for a replacement—the process isn’t too complicated. Present your documents, pay a small fee, and it’ll be done quickly. Driving without a plate is not only a violation but also increases the risk of accidents since others can’t identify your vehicle. Until resolved, I won’t touch the car to prevent safety issues.