What to Use for Attaching Temporary License Plates?
4 Answers
Whether you use transparent tape, glue, or any other adhesive to attach temporary license plates is acceptable, as long as the plates are positioned in accordance with regulations and remain clearly visible without intentional obstruction. There are two temporary plates—one must be affixed to the front windshield and the other to the rear windshield. Since temporary plates are made of paper material, avoid attaching them to the exterior side of the windshield. Below is additional information: Relevant regulations: The state implements a registration system for motor vehicles. Motor vehicles can only be driven on public roads after being registered with the traffic management department of the public security authorities. For motor vehicles that have not yet been registered but require temporary road use, a temporary license plate must be obtained.
I was super excited yet a bit overwhelmed when I got my new car with temporary plates. My friend taught me that temporary plates should generally be affixed to the inside of the windshield, like the lower left or right corner, making sure the position doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. The best tool to use is an electrostatic sticker, which costs just a few bucks at an auto parts store—peel off the back protective film, align it with the glass, and press to stick. When I did it myself, I didn’t clean the glass properly, causing bubbles to form. Later, I wiped it with an alcohol pad to secure it. Before hitting the road, check if it’s firmly attached—if it blows off, you could get fined by the police, as regulations require it to be clearly visible. If the tool doesn’t work well, you can temporarily reinforce it with double-sided tape, but avoid leaving too much residue on the car. It’s recommended to drive for a day or two after applying to ensure no issues before peeling off the protective film—this saves hassle and ensures safety. When switching to permanent plates later, it’ll also be easier to handle without damaging the car’s paint.
Having driven for many years and used numerous temporary license plates, I find static cling stickers the most practical because they adhere firmly and are easy to remove. When purchased, a single static film can be directly applied to the inner corner of the windshield. Although double-sided tape is cheaper, it leaves marks that are difficult to clean. Before applying, make sure to wipe the glass clean of any grease, align the sticker properly, and press firmly to ensure it doesn’t tilt or loosen. On the road, the temporary plate must be clearly displayed; otherwise, it violates traffic rules, and the fines can be hefty—I once saw a neighbor fined 200 yuan for a crooked sticker. I recommend choosing higher-quality static cling stickers, avoiding water exposure or vigorous scrubbing to maintain adhesion. During the temporary period, check and reinforce the sticker occasionally—safety first, no major issues.
Applying a temporary license plate is quite simple, mainly relying on adhesive tools. Static cling stickers are the best option—you can buy one at an auto parts store. Lightly peel off the back protective film, align it with the inside of the front windshield, and press to adhere. If in a temporary hurry, ordinary double-sided tape can also work but may leave residue. Choose the lower left or right corner of the glass to ensure it doesn’t obstruct your view. Once firmly attached, don’t worry about it blowing off while driving—regulations require it to be visible. After applying, double-check to ensure everything is secure, then hit the road with peace of mind to avoid penalties.
