Where to Place the Temporary License Plate?
2 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.
