During the process of purchasing vehicles, registering for temporary license plates is an important legal procedure before gaining the right to operate vehicles in traffic. However, many individuals and even dealers neglect this step, assuming it is unnecessary or can be delayed. So, is it legal to drive a vehicle without temporary license plates? Is this a violation? What are the applicable penalties? This article will clarify the relevant legal regulations and potential sanctions for individuals or organizations involved in such conduct.
1. Legal provisions on vehicle registration and temporary license plates
According to Point a, Clause 1, Article 35 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety 2024, vehicles (including cars, motorbikes, electric vehicles, etc.) are only permitted to participate in traffic when:
a. They have been granted a certificate of vehicle registration and bear license plates in accordance with legal regulations.
This regulation applies uniformly nationwide, regardless of region or intended use.
Pursuant to Circular No. 24/2023/TT-BCA issued by the Ministry of Public Security, which governs the issuance, recall, and management of vehicle registration certificates and license plates, newly purchased vehicles must be registered and issued temporary license plates if they are to be used in traffic prior to obtaining official plates. Individuals and organizations are only allowed to operate such vehicles on the road after the registration process is completed and temporary license plates are issued. Violations of this provision may result in sanctions under Article 19 of the same circular or under other relevant laws, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
In other words, for newly purchased vehicles, owners must complete the registration process and be issued license plates (including temporary plates) before participating in traffic. Failure to comply constitutes a violation and may be penalized accordingly.
2. Legal consequences
Driving vehicles that have not been registered or issued license plates (including temporary plates) is a violation of road traffic laws in Vietnam. According to the provisions of Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP – effective from January 1, 2025), violators may be subject to administrative penalties for road traffic violations, including fines, vehicle impoundment, and in some cases, driver’s license revocation.
- According to Point b, Clause 7, Article 13 of Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP, individuals operating automobiles, tractors, or similar four-wheeled motor vehicles (including semi-trailers or trailers) without license plates (for vehicles that are legally required to have license plates) shall be subject to:
b) Operating a vehicle (including motorbikes or mopeds) without license plates (for vehicles legally required to have them):
A fine ranging from 10,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND. Additionally, the driver’s license may be suspended for up to 6 months (as per Clause 13).
- According to Clause 3, Article 14 of Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP, those operating motorcycles or mopeds (and similar vehicles) under the following conditions:
a) Operating a vehicle without license plates (for vehicles legally required to have them); or with license plates not consistent with the vehicle registration certificate or license plates not issued by the competent authority;
A fine ranging from 4,000,000 VND to 6,000,000 VND. The driver may also be subject to a license suspension of up to 6 months (as per Clause 8).
Driving newly purchased vehicles before they are officially registered and issued license plates is considered illegal participation in traffic and will be penalized accordingly.
- According to Clause 3, Article 16 of Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP, individuals operating inappropriate types of vehicles (e.g., electric scooters, etc.) shall be fined under the following provision:
a) Operating a vehicle without license plates (for vehicles legally required to have them):
A fine ranging from 800,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND.
Depending on the severity of the violation, the competent authorities will consider aggravating or mitigating factors when determining the final penalty. In some cases, violations near the threshold of criminal liability may also be reviewed for possible prosecution.
In addition to license suspension, administrative fines serve as a warning and deterrent against future violations. A lack of awareness or intent is not a valid excuse, and repeated or prolonged violations may result in stricter legal consequences.
3. Recommended actions
To avoid being penalized when purchasing a new vehicle, under Circular No. 79/2024/TT-BCA (effective from January 1, 2025), individuals and entities involved in transportation must promptly register their vehicles and obtain temporary license plates either through the Ministry of Public Security’s public service portal or directly at the local vehicle registration authority. The application dossier includes the purchase invoice, personal identification documents, and the vehicle registration declaration form. After being issued a temporary vehicle registration certificate and temporary license plate, the vehicle may participate in traffic in accordance with the permitted route and timeframe.
During the validity of the temporary license plate, the vehicle must complete all procedures for official registration and be issued permanent license plates in a timely manner to ensure full compliance with legal regulations.
Decree No. 168/2024/ND-CP and the Law on Road Traffic Safety and Order (effective from 2024) reaffirm that failure to comply is not only a violation of the law but also conveys a clear message from the State: there will be no tolerance for behavior that violates traffic regulations and endangers public safety. If implemented consistently, transparently, and strictly, these regulations will undoubtedly help raise public awareness and promote a safe, disciplined, and civilized traffic environment.
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