What is the purpose of a depot plate?

The purpose of a depot plate primarily revolves around its use for transporting vehicles, either for repair or testing. This specialized plate allows dealers to operate vehicles without the need for standard registration during these specific activities. When a dealer needs to move vehicles—whether for servicing, demonstration, or road testing—a depot plate provides a legal means to do so, streamlining the processes associated with vehicle management within a dealership.

In contrast, showcasing vehicles to customers typically involves different signage and registrations, as the focus there is on marketing rather than operational logistics. While it's important for vehicles to be registered when they are put on sale, depot plates do not serve a temporary registration purpose for that context. Additionally, depot plates do not serve as a means to display ownership; instead, they are more functional and administrative in nature, distinct from ownership documentation.