During which part of the vehicle sale process may in-transit plates be required?

In-transit plates are required during the period from the purchase point to the sale point of a vehicle. These plates are temporary and allow a buyer to legally operate the vehicle on public roads before they have completed the registration process with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is essential for ensuring that the vehicle can be driven from the point of sale to the buyer's location without any legal issues.

Using in-transit plates helps provide a buffer for new vehicle owners, giving them the necessary time to register the vehicle officially while still complying with local regulations. Other scenarios, such as vehicle inspections or conducting test drives, do not specifically mandate the use of in-transit plates since those are typically governed by different rules regarding vehicle operation and testing. Moreover, registration with the DMV is a required step, but the use of in-transit plates specifically pertains to the transition phase between purchase and official registration.