Why No Temporary License Plate Issued on Vehicle Pickup Day?
2 Answers
Because temporary license plates can only be issued by the vehicle management office, requiring owners to personally apply at the office. Below are detailed explanations about temporary vehicle plates: 1. Overview: Temporary vehicle plates refer to provisional driving permits issued by public security vehicle management departments when formal registration procedures are pending. New vehicles must not use temporary plates for over 15 days, and owners should promptly apply for formal plates. 2. Regulations: The "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" explicitly states that vehicles driving on roads must display license plates as required, with penalties for non-compliance. Generally, two temporary license plates need to be displayed simultaneously.
Last month when I went to pick up my new car, the dealer didn't provide me with temporary plates that day, which really dampened my excitement. They explained that processing temporary plates requires time for document preparation and approval from the DMV, including verifying the vehicle's certificate of conformity, invoice details, and ensuring the insurance policy is in place. Sometimes insurance companies delay issuing policies, so dealers have to wait until the insurance is effective before daring to issue plates, as driving without plates could lead to fines from traffic police. I had assumed I could hit the road immediately after picking up the car, but ended up waiting three days to get the plates. My advice to buyers is to clearly communicate the timeline when signing the contract and urge the dealer to prepare materials in advance to avoid unnecessary waiting like I experienced. Additionally, during peak hours, the DMV's systems often encounter issues, and temporary plates can't be printed on the spot—they require dedicated staff for review.
