Can a Photocopy of the Vehicle License Be Used on the Road?
3 Answers
A photocopy of the vehicle license cannot be used on the road. Below is a detailed introduction about the vehicle license: Overview: The motor vehicle license is the legal document that permits a motor vehicle to drive on roads within China. The license consists of three parts: the license holder, the main page, and the supplementary page. The front of the main page contains the endorsed core, while the back has a photo of the vehicle, sealed in plastic. The supplementary page is the endorsed core. Relevant regulations: Article 17 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations" promulgated by the State Council stipulates that vehicles must pass the inspection by the vehicle management authority and obtain license plates and a vehicle license before they are allowed to drive. Therefore, holding the "Motor Vehicle License" is one of the prerequisites for a vehicle to be driven on the road. Driving without the license is a violation of regulations.
I've encountered this issue a few times. Once when I was on a business trip, I forgot to bring the original vehicle license and only had a photocopy with me. As a result, I was stopped by traffic police at a highway checkpoint for inspection and was immediately issued a ticket because photocopies don't comply with legal requirements. The vehicle license is proof of legal driving, and the original must be carried at all times. Although photocopies may look the same, they can easily be mistaken for forgeries, and law enforcement strictly checks them against original records. I've also heard of a friend whose car was impounded for using a photocopy, wasting half a day sorting it out. Now, I always keep the original in a fixed spot in my car and make it a habit to check my documents—never risk driving with just a photocopy for convenience. Safe driving isn't just about skill; it's also about being meticulous with details to avoid unnecessary trouble and extra expenses.
I think the most worrying thing when driving is having issues with documents, especially critical ones like the vehicle license. Once, I took a photocopy with me, thinking it would suffice, but I was stopped by traffic police at a city intersection and almost faced penalties for driving without a license. Photocopies are invalid because they can't effectively verify the identity of the vehicle and the driver—law enforcement uses professional equipment to check the original document. This isn't just a legal risk; it also affects driving safety. In case of an accident, a photocopy could complicate liability determination. Now, I've developed the habit of checking for original documents before heading out or considering the use of electronic license platforms, though the paper original remains the safest choice. During regular vehicle maintenance, I also remind the technician to check the document status to ensure everything is compliant.
