Why Do License Plates Fall Off When Driving Through Water?

[AsherLee]

Here are the specific reasons why vehicle license plates may fall off when driving through water: 1. Strong Impact: The faster the car speed, the greater the impact force of the water, making it easier for the license plate to be washed away. 2. Retrievable: If the license plate is washed away by water, you can stop and look for it if conditions permit. If it cannot be found, report to the police immediately to prevent it from being used for illegal activities such as cloning. Below is additional information on how to handle a washed-away license plate: 1. Search: If you notice the license plate is missing and haven't driven far or are still near the waterlogged area, you can stop and go back to search. If it cannot be found, report to the police. 2. Unable to Search: If conditions do not allow you to go back and search, call the police immediately to file a report. 3. Apply for a Replacement at the DMV: Bring the vehicle registration certificate, the owner's original ID card and a copy, a proof of license plate loss, and the vehicle registration certificate.

[DelDeclan]

The reason why license plates fall off when driving through water is quite common, mainly due to strong water flow impact and unstable fixation. This happened to me before when I drove through deep water—the water flow directly washed away my license plate because the screws weren’t tightened properly. If the license plate bracket is old or corroded, it can easily break and detach under water pressure. The speed and depth of the water also matter. Faster speeds and deeper water multiply the impact force, and if the license plate is loosely installed, it can be washed away immediately. I recommend car owners regularly check the screws and brackets during maintenance, especially before the rainy season—don’t neglect these small details. If the plate does fall off, you’ll have to go through the hassle and expense of reapplying for a new one. Drive slower when crossing water to reduce the water flow’s force and avoid the troubles I faced back then.

[OMorgan]

From a mechanical perspective, hydrodynamic forces are the primary cause of license plate detachment in water. When wheels drive through standing water, high-speed water flow impacts the license plate surface, generating upward or lateral forces. If screws are loose, mounting brackets are corroded, or installation is improper, these forces can easily dislodge the plate. Common issues include weakened aging screws and poorly designed plate brackets that fracture under high water pressure. I've personally witnessed cases where higher speeds and water depths exceeding the bumper height significantly increase risks. For prevention, we recommend using stainless steel fasteners, slowing to a crawl before entering water, and performing bi-annual torque checks on screws to ensure plate stability without wobbling, thereby reducing sudden failures.

[VonPhoebe]

Losing your license plate in water is not only troublesome but also dangerous! The main reasons are usually loose installation or aging parts. Strong water flow can easily wash away loose screws, and rusted brackets may fall apart upon contact with water. If the plate drifts onto the road, it could cause an accident or result in a 200-yuan fine. When driving through water, control the depth and speed, and avoid deep puddles. Regular maintenance is key—check if the screws are tight, replace old brackets to prevent corrosion, and follow these simple steps to ensure safety.