As a car owner, it is not just about owning a car, you have the responsibility of keeping your car clean by washing it when it’s dirty. While washing your car, you are also responsible for the outcome.
You should know the areas that are suitable to wash with water and areas that should be cleaned with a damp cloth. So, can you go through the carwash with temporary plates?
No, you should not go through the carwash with temporary plates to avoid damaging them because temporary plates are not waterproof. They are made from paper and can be soaked and damaged when exposed to water.
Can I Go Through the Carwash With Temporary Plates?
No, you should never go through a carwash with temporary plates to avoid damaging them. This is because temporary plates are made from paper and can easily be soaked when exposed to water.
When you register your car, a temporary tag will be given to you prior to when the permanent tags will be ready. These tags are however made from paper because it is temporary. You are not meant to use it for as long as the car is with you. Therefore, should not be exposed to water.
If you go to a drive-through car wash with temporary plates, you will eventually have the plates soaked with water and damaged.
For example, according to the statement made by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles on Facebook, “Do you have temporary plates you received from a branch, do not go through the car wash with it. It could be damaged or destroyed. Don’t worry, if you forget though, you can pick up another one from a branch.”
This was the statement released by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles instructing all individuals using temporary tags never to go through a carwash with them. They assured anyone who has gotten their temporary plates damaged by mistake to go back to any of their branch to get another one.
Disadvantages of Going Through Carwash with Temporary Plates
Here are the cons of going through a carwash with temporary plates:
The Plates Can Damage
Going through a car wash with temporary plates is very risky because you can easily get it soaked with water and have it damaged, making it impossible to use again.
The Stress of Getting Another One
When you get your temporary tags soaked and damaged in water, you can get a replacement. However, the stress and time of getting another plate can be overwhelming. You have to start going to the DMV for another one which can be time-consuming and overwhelming.
Can You Wash the Car with Temporary Plates
Yes, of course, you can wash your car with temporary plates, all you have to do is wash the car by yourself or use a roadside car wash and avoid going to a drive-through car wash.
How to Wash Car with Temporary Plates
To wash a car with temporary plates, you should:
- Get two buckets of water, one for washing and the other for rinsing
- Get a small bowl with which you can use to rinse the car
- Get a microfiber towel with which you can wash the car
When all these tools are gathered, you need to start by washing the car with foamy water and gently rinse it with the bowl.
While rinsing the car, avoid spraying the water all over the place. Do it gently with caution. Ensure to rinse only the area that is washed.
When you get to the back and front where the temporary tags are installed, you can gently wash the place carefully using a damp soapy towel. You should also use a damp clean towel to dry the area. Avoid spraying water near the area.
If it is possible, you can use something to cover the plates. You can use a cellophane or cloth to cover the face of the plates to prevent water from touching them.
Are Temporary Plates Waterproof?
Temporary plates are not waterproof and hence can be damaged by water.
However, depending on your state of residence and the Department of Motor Vehicles, they may issue temporary plates that are waterproof.
However, temporary plates are not waterproof because they are made from paper, and hence can be damaged by water.
What Happens to Temporary Tags When It Rains?
If the temporary paper tags/plates are not laminated or taped inside the window, the rain will soak the paper and get it damaged.
Are California Temporary License Plates Waterproof?
No. California temporary license plates are water-resistant, not waterproof.
California Assembly Bill 516 signed into law on July 25, 2016 mandates dealers to print Temporary License Plates (TLPs) on special paper that meets DMV specifications which are water resistance and tear resistance.
Therefore, in California, temporary plates are printed on paper that is water resistant and tear resistant and not waterproof. There are clear differences between water-resistant and waterproof.
While water-resistant can only stand up to too much water, waterproof provides a complete barrier to water. For example, temporary plates are water resistant while permanent plates are waterproof.
Can You Laminate Temporary License Plates?
Yes, you can laminate temporary license plates as long as the lamination does not affect the visibility of the numbers on the plates.
Conclusion
Because of the delicate nature of the temporary plates, you cannot go through carewash with them else they will be damaged. You can wash the car by yourself and avoid go-through carwash.
If you cannot wash the car by yourself, you can give it to a roadside car wash, they will know how to wash the car. Do not forget to remind them that you have temporary tags on the car.
However, we recommend you wash the car yourself until your permanent tags are available to avoid going back to the DMV for the plates.