Where Should Temporary License Plates Be Placed?
4 Answers
Temporary license plates come in two pieces: one should be placed on the left side of the vehicle's front windshield, and the other on the left side of the rear windshield. One temporary plate should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, and the other should be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. If there is no space on the rear windshield, the other temporary plate should still be carried in the vehicle. For passenger vehicles that have not yet been registered (including vans, sedans, SUVs, etc.), if they need to be driven temporarily on the road, two temporary license plates must be carried and affixed in the designated positions: one should be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's view, and the other should be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. Method for affixing temporary license plates: Both temporary license plates must be affixed simultaneously. One should be affixed to the upper right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's view or be covered by insurance stickers. The other should be affixed to the upper left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. For other types of vehicles (such as trucks), due to installation constraints, only one temporary plate is issued, but it must still be affixed to the lower left or right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle.
I just picked up my new car with temporary plates last week, so I know all about this! The temporary license plates must be affixed with one on the lower right corner of the front windshield and the other on the lower left corner of the rear windshield. If they're crooked or placed on the dashboard, the cops will spot it instantly, and you'll lose 200 yuan in fines just like that. Transparent static cling film is the most practical—no adhesive residue and waterproof, available for just 10 yuan at the auto parts market. Remember, never fold the QR code; my neighbor got pulled over last time for stuffing the temporary plate into the sun visor, and the traffic cop straight up said, 'This counts as failing to display as required'—totally unfair. A used car dealer taught me a trick: if the rear windshield has dark tint, make sure to place the plate on the outside of the glass to stay compliant.
Just researched traffic regulations the day before yesterday while helping my cousin attach temporary license plates. You need to choose an unobstructed location and stick them firmly. The front plate is most stable when placed in the corner on the passenger side, while the rear plate should be positioned in the corner directly behind the driver's seat. Using transparent tape to secure all four corners is also acceptable, but it tends to curl up in rainy weather. A friend tried placing it on the dashboard, but it flew off during sudden braking and resulted in penalty points. Traffic police mainly check two things: clear visibility and intact condition. For trucks, the plate must be attached above the rear door panel of the cargo compartment, ensuring it's not blocked by goods. Some cities now also require the simultaneous display of electronic temporary plates, so remember to take a screenshot and save it.
Seen too many car owners make mistakes: some use magnetic holders for temporary plates and they fly off, others just toss them in the trunk. The correct way is to use the static cling stickers that come with the temporary plates; if you don’t have them, buy transfer film from a stationery store. Clean the windshield with alcohol before applying, or it will peel off in the sun. Tesla owners, be careful not to place it over the black ceramic dots as it may affect signals. For motorcycles, install it on a visible spot like the front fork or rear fender. Also, heard Shanghai traffic police check temporary plate expiry dates—parking with an expired one on the road means an instant 12-point deduction.
