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EN 
Buying your first car is a happy moment, but a few dates then matter a great deal. Forget them and the car can end up on the wrong side of the law.
Expiry of the temporary plate
If the plate is not ready and you need to drive, apply at the vehicle office or through the dealer. Temporary plates are valid for 15, 30 or 90 days, counting weekends and holidays, and the last day is printed on them.
A temporary plate is only valid while it lasts. If it expires before the permanent plate arrives you can reapply, up to three times. Driving on an expired plate is an offence, and can mean the vehicle is impounded, a 200 yuan fine and three points.
Insurance renewal date
Cover starts when the policy is bought and normally runs for a year. Once it lapses, the insurer will not pay out on a claim. Compulsory third-party cover is legally required: drive without it and the vehicle can be impounded and a fine of twice the premium imposed until cover is restored.
Annual inspection date
Non-commercial cars and other small and micro passenger vehicles (excluding minibuses and seven-seat or larger vehicles) are exempt for six years, but the owner must still collect the inspection mark every two years. Driving past the inspection date is an offence carrying a 200 yuan fine and three points.
Licence renewal
Note the expiry of your own licence and renew in good time; driving on an expired licence is treated as driving without one.