Can a photocopy of the vehicle license be used on the road?
2 Answers
A photocopy of the vehicle license cannot be used for driving on the road. The original vehicle license is required for a motor vehicle to be driven on the road. When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle license plate must be displayed, the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark must be placed, and the vehicle license must be carried. If the license is not carried, the public security organ may temporarily impound the motor vehicle. The following are the relevant regulations: According to Article 11 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle license plate must be displayed, the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark must be placed, and the vehicle license must be carried. The vehicle license plate must be displayed in accordance with regulations and kept clear and complete, and must not be intentionally obscured or damaged. No unit or individual may confiscate or detain the vehicle license plate. Article 95 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display the vehicle license plate, does not place the inspection qualification mark or insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle license or driver's license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall impound the motor vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the corresponding procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of this Law.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and that time I was in a hurry and forgot to bring the original vehicle license, so I took a photocopy instead. On the way, I was pulled over by the police for inspection, and they directly said they don't accept photocopies—only the original to prevent forgery risks. In the end, I was fined over a hundred yuan on the spot and had one point deducted, reminding me never to take such risks. Now, I’ve made it a habit to check my documents before hitting the road. I keep the original in the glove compartment to avoid losing it, and the photocopy is just a backup for emergencies—never to be used normally. The first rule of safe driving is to have all your documents in order to stay worry-free. I recommend checking your vehicle license regularly to ensure it doesn’t expire.
