Can a Vehicle Still Be Driven on the Road After Accumulating 12 Penalty Points?
4 Answers
Motor vehicles can still be driven normally. The main reasons and measures for continued driving are as follows: Main Reasons for Continued Driving: Traffic violation penalty points are assigned to the driver of the vehicle, not the vehicle itself. If a driver accumulates 12 penalty points within a scoring cycle due to driving a specific vehicle, the traffic police department will confiscate their driver's license. During the period of license confiscation, the driver is prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. Measures for Continued Driving: As for the vehicle itself, it will not be prohibited from being driven on the road simply because its driver has accumulated 12 penalty points. As long as there is a qualified driver, the vehicle can still be driven normally on the road.
This is quite common. I've heard many young friends ask similar questions in conversations. Losing 12 points on your license actually means you've maxed out your demerit points. According to traffic laws, once you accumulate 12 points, your driving privileges are suspended and you can't drive on public roads anymore. Traffic police enforce this strictly - if you're caught driving with a suspended license, you could face fines, vehicle impoundment, or even license confiscation. Not to mention, insurance may not cover you in case of an accident, creating serious safety risks. The proper procedure is to immediately report to your local traffic authority, complete a 7-day traffic safety course, and pass the written theory test (subject one) to reinstate your driving privileges. Always obey traffic rules when driving - avoid speeding or drunk driving to minimize point deductions. You can check all point deductions on the 12123 app - don't be careless about this, or you'll face bigger troubles.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, let me share the reality of this situation. Losing all 12 points is no joke—it essentially voids your license temporarily. If you're caught driving without a valid license, you'll face at least a 2,000 RMB fine, and in severe cases, up to 15 days of detention, which can disrupt work and daily life. I've known a few guys who learned this the hard way by pushing their luck. The key is to act promptly: first, verify your points at the traffic police station, then enroll in a mandatory course. Spend a week attending classes and reviewing before taking the test—once you pass, your points reset, and you're back to normal. My advice? Stay vigilant about traffic rules daily: slow down at intersections, buckle up, and don’t let minor slip-ups snowball into big trouble. Remember, driving isn’t about gambling with luck—it’s about playing it safe and steady.
Safe driving is my top concern, especially when facing a 12-point deduction. If your driver's license points are maxed out, you absolutely must not drive anymore—otherwise, the risks are extremely high: if you're on the road and get into an accident, you'll bear full responsibility, and the insurance company may refuse to cover the claim. Additionally, traffic police conduct frequent checks, and getting caught just once could mean fines, vehicle impoundment, or even an extended suspension period. From personal experience, many people lose points due to common mistakes like illegal parking or running red lights. I recommend everyone regularly check their point records using the official app to prevent issues in advance. Once points are maxed out, stop driving immediately and arrange to take the required course and test to reinstate your eligibility. The entire process only takes a few days—don’t delay.
