Where Should Temporary License Plates Be Properly Affixed?
3 Answers
Temporary license plates usually come in a set of two: one should be affixed to the front windshield, and the other to the rear windshield. If a new vehicle is driven without displaying temporary plates, it will not be legally permitted on the road. Here is some additional information: 1. About Temporary License Plates: Temporary license plates are provisional motor vehicle plates applied for, typically valid for 15 days. New vehicles can apply for temporary plates before official registration, but this can only be done up to three times. Once temporary plates are obtained, it is important to promptly proceed with the formal registration to ensure normal vehicle use and avoid unnecessary complications. The cost for a temporary plate is 5 yuan per piece. Driving a new vehicle without displaying temporary plates can result in a fine of 200 yuan, 12 demerit points, and temporary vehicle seizure. 2. Important Notes Regarding Temporary License Plates: (1) After purchasing a new vehicle, you need to apply for temporary license plates at the local vehicle management office. (2) When the vehicle is registered and formal license plates have been issued, you must apply for temporary plates at the vehicle management office and display them on the vehicle to legally drive it back to your locality. (3) If the vehicle is to be modified in another location without having obtained formal plates locally, you must first apply for temporary plates locally to drive the vehicle to the modification site. After modification, you need to apply for temporary plates again at the local vehicle management office before driving the vehicle back. (4) If the vehicle is not yet registered but needs to be driven on the road, temporary plates must be obtained from the local vehicle management office.
I remember when I first got my car, I casually stuck the temporary license plate on the lower right corner of the rear windshield, only to be pulled over by traffic police the very next day. Now with more experience, I've learned that temporary plates come in two types: blue background and brown background. One must be affixed to the inside lower left corner of the front windshield, and the other to the inside lower left corner of the rear windshield. They must not obstruct the driver's view or be placed on tinted film areas. Always use the static cling provided by the DMV to secure them—never use transparent tape directly on the glass, or you'll be left with sticky residue when removing it. On the front windshield, avoid the wiper movement area, and on the rear windshield, avoid the heating wires to ensure driving safety isn't compromised. Misalignment or single-direction placement is a serious offense that can cost you all 12 points on your license.
Last time when accompanying my friend to pick up the new car, the salesperson specifically reminded us about the rules for attaching temporary license plates. The safest spots are the lower left or lower right corner of the front windshield, ensuring the license plate number is clearly visible to traffic police at a glance. For the rear windshield, it must be affixed to the inside of the lower left corner. Nowadays, many cars have dark tinted films on the rear windshield, so it's best to choose the transparent area at the edge of the film. When attaching, make sure the validity period and serial number of the license plate are fully exposed, and use static cling adhesives that won't damage the glass. If you're caught with a temporary plate attached in a non-compliant position, you'll likely face a fine of 200 yuan and 3 penalty points.
