Will I be penalized if my front license plate falls off and I'm unaware of being photographed?
3 Answers
According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," you will be penalized if photographed. Driving on the road with a lost license plate will result in being photographed, but the traffic violation record for that day can be canceled with a loss certificate issued by the public security department. On the day of the loss or within the working day, you should promptly visit the vehicle management department to apply for a replacement plate or a temporary license plate. According to Article 95 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," if a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a license plate, inspection qualification mark, insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle registration certificate or driving license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the necessary procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with Article 90 of this law. If the party provides the corresponding license, mark, or completes the necessary procedures, the vehicle shall be promptly returned. Intentionally obscuring, defacing, or improperly installing a motor vehicle license plate will result in penalties under Article 90 of this law. If you discover that your license plate is lost, immediately report it to the local police station. Driving with the certificate issued by the police station will exempt you from penalties, and then you can apply for a replacement license plate at the vehicle management office. Documents required for license plate replacement: The original and a copy of the vehicle owner's ID card; The vehicle registration certificate; Both license plates that need replacement; if one is lost, submit the remaining one; The "Application Form for Replacement of Motor Vehicle License Plates and Certificates," which can be obtained and filled out at the vehicle management office; If the application is handled by an agent, the original and a copy of the agent's ID card and a power of attorney are also required.
Last time I was driving, my front license plate somehow fell off, and I later found out I was caught by an electronic eye, resulting in a ticket with a 200-yuan fine and demerit points—quite a hassle. Legally, this is indeed a responsibility because traffic regulations require license plates to be intact for vehicle identification. Vehicle owners are obligated to regularly check their vehicle's condition, including the security of the license plate. If caught missing, even if you were unaware, it could still be considered a violation. I recommend you go to the DMV as soon as possible to apply for a replacement plate. Bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate, and it usually doesn’t take much time to sort out. Remember to regularly check if the license plate screws are tight in the future to avoid losing it again—this saves money, hassle, and keeps you safe.
Bro, losing your license plate and getting caught is definitely a headache. I had the same experience once and got fined a couple hundred bucks. Traffic regulations require clear display of license plates, and missing one can easily lead to misjudgment or fines. You can plead ignorance, but you still need to go to the DMV to get a replacement, or the issues will pile up. Nowadays, electronic eyes are so sensitive that they can scan and record your plate status instantly. The replacement process is simple—just bring your documents, and it usually takes a few days. As a daily habit, I recommend taking a quick glance at your license plate before driving each time. A few seconds can prevent similar troubles.
