Can You Drive with Dealer Tags on Your Car?

The short answer is no, you typically cannot use dealer tags for long-term use. However, it's important to understand the nuances of dealer tags and temporary tags, especially for those who have recently purchased a vehicle or are in the process of doing so.

Understanding Dealer Tags

Dealer tags, also known as temporary or dealer plates, are plates that are registered to the car dealership from which you bought your car. These plates are often used during the sale of the vehicle, particularly when you are still waiting for your permanent license plates.

Dealer Tags and Test Drives

Dealerships will often use dealer plates for test drives. This means that if you are considering a car at their lot, you may be able to test drive the vehicle with these plates. However, once you have made the purchase, the dealership is not going to let you leave the lot with their dealer plates. Instead, they will usually provide you with temporary registration plates that are valid for a short period, typically 30 days.

Temporary Tags: Your Solution

When you purchase a car, you will typically receive temporary tags. These are valid for a short period, usually until permanent tags are issued. Temporary tags are designed to allow you to legally drive the car after you have completed the purchase process.

Example: Dealer Tags in Australia

For example, consider the situation where you purchased a car from Wippells Autos Skoda in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. The dealer plates you might see on the car would be registered to Wippells Autos Skoda. You can see this from the sticker on the bottom of the license plate frame, which indicates the vehicle was purchased from Wippells Autos Skoda. On the top of the frame, you might see a license plate that is similar but does not contain a 'lemon' symbol (which could indicate a defect).

The front plate often has a red border with the dealership's sticker and the bottom part with the dealership's logo. The rear plate typically has a red border without the dealership's ad.

Legal Issues with Dealer Plates

While dealer plates are often used for temporary registration, it's important to note that these plates are not suitable for long-term use. Using dealer plates for more than a short period can lead to legal issues. Additionally, placing a dealership advertising sticker on a license plate is not legal and can result in fines or other penalties.

Conclusion

In summary, it's perfectly legal to drive with dealer tags for the short period that they are provided. However, it's crucial to get the appropriate temporary registration plates from your dealership once you have completed the purchase process. This ensures that you remain in compliance with all legal requirements and avoid any potential fines or penalties.

Key Points to Remember

Dealer plates are temporary and for short-term use during the sale process. Temporary tags, such as those provided by the dealership, are valid for a limited time, typically 30 days. Using dealer plates for more than a short period can lead to legal issues. Advising the public on legal requirements and safety standards ensures compliance and avoids penalties.