P-plate

DEFINITION

The colloquial name for the triangular plate that a new driver must display at the front and back of his car during his first year of driving. Also known in Mandarin as 新手牌, 三角新手牌 or P牌.

ETYMOLOGY

• Drivers who have just obtained an automobile or motorcycle driving license are called new drivers.
• From 1 September 1994, according to the Government regulations, all new drivers in their first year of driving are legally required to display a probation plate (P-plate) on the front and rear of their car.
• As the design of the probation plate comprises of two inverted yellow triangles and a red triangle, it is commonly known as a triangle plate.
• For automobiles, probation plates are to be displayed on the upper right corner of the front and rear windshields respectively.
• For motorcycles, probation plates should be placed directly above the headlights and the rear license plate.
• New drivers who do not display a probation plate while driving will be subjected to a fine. Their driver’s licenses may be revoked if they violate the law for the third time.

SAMPLE SENTENCE

Because a “P-plate” with its red triangle against a yellow background was found on the back of the car, it is believed that the driver who caused the accident has just obtained his driver’s license. (Lianhe Zaobao, 7/12/2019).

TERMS USED IN OTHER REGIONS

实习标志 (Mainland China), “P”字牌 (Hong Kong)