Where to Place the Temporary License Plate?
4 Answers
New vehicles come with two temporary license plates: one should be placed on the left side of the front windshield, and the other on the left side of the rear windshield. When driving with temporary plates, it is essential to comply with traffic regulations, as any violation will result in immediate revocation of the plates. The validity period of a temporary license plate is 15 days. If a new vehicle is driven without displaying temporary plates, the penalties include a fine, deduction of 12 points, and temporary confiscation of the vehicle. Below is the detailed process for obtaining temporary license plates: 1. Bring the required materials to the local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) window to apply for temporary plates. 2. Visit the finance department to pay the processing fee. 3. Take the receipt to the temporary plate application window and queue to collect the plates.
When it comes to where to place temporary license plates, as a veteran driver with years of experience, I always stick them on the inside of the front windshield at the lower right corner of the passenger side. Why this spot? It's the most visible location for police checks, doesn't obstruct the view, and won't interfere with rear window labels when reversing. Some people take shortcuts by casually placing them on the dashboard—that's a no-go, as they can easily fall off or become unreadable. I recommend using transparent double-sided tape for a secure fit without leaving sticky marks. During the new car transition period, it's easy to forget to check, but make it a habit to glance periodically to ensure it hasn't shifted. Placing it correctly ensures peace of mind while driving and avoids unnecessary inspections. New drivers shouldn't overlook this detail—forming good habits can save a lot of minor hassles.
As someone who frequently helps others with their cars, temporary license plates must be securely placed on the inside of the front windshield near the passenger side. Choosing the right spot ensures that police can quickly verify it with a glance, minimizing distractions while driving. I usually advise clients to use specialized adhesive tape to avoid residue that's hard to clean. Placing it incorrectly, such as in the middle of the windshield, can obstruct visibility and pose a safety hazard, not to mention being illegal. During checks, make sure the numbers are clear and intact, not obscured by dirt. Also, a friendly reminder: don’t delay in replacing it with a permanent plate—expired temporary plates bring more trouble. Safety first—correct placement is no small matter.
When I first got my new car, I was figuring out where to place the temporary license plate. They told me to stick it on the lower right corner of the front windshield on the passenger side, so I obediently taped it there securely with clear adhesive. It felt like signing my new car, quite novel, and placing it correctly meant no hassle from the cops pulling me over to ask questions. No obstruction of view, and reversing was safe too. Don’t forget to secure it properly to avoid it falling off mid-drive. Newbies should remember this simple thing to start off smoothly.
