Can driver's license and vehicle license generally be kept in the car?
3 Answers
Keep the driver's license on your person and the vehicle license in the car; it's best not to keep the two documents together. The differences between a driver's license and a vehicle license are as follows: 1. Different types: A driver's license is a legal permit, while a vehicle license is a legal document. Specifically, a driver's license is a legal permit to drive certain types of motor vehicles, whereas a vehicle license is a legal document permitting a vehicle to be driven on roads within China. 2. Different purposes: A driver's license serves as identification, while a vehicle license serves as proof for road travel. A driver's license can be used as valid identification, whereas a vehicle license serves as proof for road travel, proof of movable property ownership, and a document for insurance claims. 3. Different contents: The two documents record different information. A driver's license records the driver's personal information, initial issuance date, permitted vehicle types, file number, and validity period. A vehicle license records the license plate number, vehicle type, the owner's name and address, the vehicle's brand and model, and its usage nature.
I usually keep my driver's license and vehicle registration in the car's glove compartment for convenience during traffic police checks, avoiding the embarrassment of forgetting them. However, caution is needed as some worry about thieves potentially misusing the documents for illegal activities like identity fraud or creating clone cars if the car is stolen. I know a friend whose car was broken into while parked roadside, and losing the documents led to a troublesome replacement process. It's advisable to secure the documents in a folder or take photos stored on your phone as backup. Placing them on the dashboard risks them slipping off or fading/yellowing from sun exposure. For safety, use a folder tucked deep inside the glove box and lock the car doors to prevent theft. Overall, keeping documents in the car remains a common practice; just ensure they're in a secure spot for peace of mind when driving.
I've been driving a taxi for several years, and every time I hit the road, I tuck my driver's license and vehicle registration into the small pouch next to the passenger seat, easily within reach. I often encounter random checks on the road, and the police can quickly verify my documents, saving me the hassle of fumbling through my wallet. But don't get careless—leaving your documents exposed can make them a target for thieves, especially if your car windows aren't tightly closed when parked in a lot. I once left them on the dashboard, but the sun faded the text, so I later moved them to a secure corner in the glove compartment. Carrying them on me always risked loss or damage, so keeping them in the car is more convenient—just remember to check their safety periodically. If you're worried about emergencies, keep a digital copy on your phone as a backup. In short, carrying your documents while driving is mandatory, and storing them in the car is a practical way to handle sudden inspections.
