Temporary Registration Permits are issued when a vehicle is purchased from a licensed dealership. These temporary tags are meant to allow the new owner to drive legally while waiting for their permanent metal plates. The TRP is displayed on the back of the vehicle and is valid for 90 days. During this time, the dealership is responsible for completing the title transfer and registration process.
It is a common misconception that a car with paper plates might lack insurance. In reality, paper license plates indicate that the vehicle is in the process of being registered and that the owner has already applied for full registration. So, these vehicles are generally insured, and the temporary tags are simply a step in the registration process.
Concerns with paper plates
While paper plates themselves are not inherently problematic, there are a few things to be aware of. Paper tags can be harder to read than metal plates, especially if they become worn or damaged. It is advisable to keep a safe distance from vehicles with paper plates to ensure you are able to read them if necessary.
What about fraud and expired plates?
Well, those are the two biggest concerns. Unfortunately, paper plates can be exploited by criminals. Counterfeit or fraudulently obtained temporary tags can turn vehicles into “ghost cars,” which are difficult to trace. Law enforcement agencies are actively working to combat this issue by tracking and investigating suspicious tags.
However, valid paper plates have a clear expiration date. If you notice a car with an expired temporary tag, it is a good idea to report it to local authorities, as the vehicle may not be legally registered. Of course, fraudulent paper plates have fraudulent expiration dates.
Conclusion
The next time you see a car with paper plates, remember that it is likely a temporary measure while the vehicle’s registration is processed. While this is legal, they may be fraudulent, so drivers should be cautious around cars with paper plates. After all, if they are fraudulent, it could indicate other issues, like a lack of insurance or other issues that may make holding them accountable much harder, should they cause a car accident.