Where to Place Temporary License Plates?
4 Answers
Two temporary license plates should be affixed simultaneously. One should be placed in the upper right corner of the front windshield inside the vehicle, ensuring it does not obstruct the driver's view and is not covered by the compulsory insurance label. The other should be affixed to the upper left corner of the rear windshield inside the vehicle. Regulations for using temporary license plates: Usage period: Temporary license plates have a validity period, which should not exceed 30 days in general, and no more than 15 days for new cars. Therefore, it is necessary to apply for official license plates from the vehicle management authority within this period. Driving with an expired temporary license plate may result in the vehicle being impounded, a fine of 200 yuan, and 12 penalty points. Regional restrictions: In addition to time limits, temporary license plates also have regional restrictions. Local temporary plates can only be used within the issuing region. If you frequently drive long distances or across regions, it is recommended to use cross-regional temporary license plates.
Temporary license plates should be placed in a visible yet non-obstructive location inside the car. When I last bought a new car, the staff at the 4S store explained it clearly: place one on the lower right corner of the front windshield’s interior and another on the lower left corner of the rear windshield’s interior, so that the police can spot them at a glance. Why this arrangement? Mainly due to legal requirements: for instance, domestic regulations mandate that they must be affixed to designated interior corners—never outside, where wind and rain could cause them to peel and obscure the plate number. In my younger days, I made the mistake of tossing the temporary plate onto the dashboard, only for it to flutter up while driving on the highway, nearly causing an accident. I was fined 200 yuan by traffic police and have since learned to secure it firmly with clear double-sided tape. Remember, after buying a car, don’t rush to hit the road—first find reliable tape to fix the plates properly. Positioning them correctly saves a lot of hassle. This also ties into validity periods: temporary plates generally must be replaced with permanent ones within 15 days, so don’t get so caught up in driving that you forget. Overall, doing it right helps avoid unnecessary roadside inspections or towing incidents.
Buying my first car really confused me about where to place the temporary license plate—I initially thought it should be hung outside like the permanent one. Later, I learned it must be properly affixed to the inner corners of the front and rear windshields: the lower right for the front and lower left for the rear to comply with regulations. Looking back, the 4S dealership was busy handing over the keys, and I missed the instructions, simply wedging the temporary plate into the window gap. As a result, within two kilometers of driving, I was pulled over by traffic police who pointed out the incorrect placement could obstruct visibility and pose safety risks—resulting in a ¥100 fine and a lesson learned. After that, I understood why it must be securely attached inside: not only for easy inspection but also to prevent dust and rain from damaging it. New drivers are advised to use extra tape for reinforcement—don’t repeat my laziness that led to this hiccup. Actually, it’s quite simple: handle the plate placement immediately after buying the car; don’t wait until you’re on the road and risk panic. Remembering the correct positions is key to avoiding unexpected delays and boosting driving confidence.
The correct placement of temporary license plates is inside the vehicle: the lower right corner of the front windshield and the lower left corner of the rear windshield. I recommend using non-slip stickers to secure them firmly, ensuring no movement or curling issues affect visibility. Regulations, such as those in China, require this placement to prevent external obstruction or weathering damage. Choosing the right position can simplify the replacement process: for example, don’t delay installation when the validity period is short. During daily application, ensure the glass is clean to avoid detachment. Additionally, selecting the right adhesive reduces the hassle of repeated fixing. Everything should prioritize ensuring driving legality.
