Can I casually share photos of my vehicle license with others?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to share photos of your vehicle license with others, as it contains important information such as the license plate number, vehicle model, owner's name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), engine number, and file number. Below is relevant information: Vehicle License: The vehicle license is the legal document permitting a motor vehicle to be driven on public roads. The vehicle license consists of three parts: the main page, the secondary page, and the plastic sleeve. The front of the main page contains the endorsed certificate core, while the back features a photo of the vehicle, sealed in a plastic sleeve. The secondary page is another endorsed certificate core. Article 11 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states: When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle must display its license plate, have valid inspection and insurance labels, and carry the vehicle license. License plates must be displayed clearly and completely without intentional obstruction or damage. No individual or organization may confiscate or withhold a vehicle's license plate.
To be honest, as someone who drives frequently, I'm quite familiar with the vehicle license and you should never casually take photos of it for others. The vehicle license contains sensitive information like your license plate number, owner's name, and ID number - it's as important as your identity card. Sharing photos of it recklessly could allow scammers to clone license plates, stage fake accidents, or commit online loan fraud. I've heard many cases where people accidentally shared vehicle license photos in WeChat groups, leading to cloned plates and fines, or their information being sold for fraudulent activities, causing major life disruptions. So only provide the original document or specified photos when officially required, such as handling traffic violations or during vehicle sales transfers. Don't take shortcuts by casually sending photos to strangers, especially in online chats or social platforms. Protecting privacy is a responsibility - a little extra caution can prevent a lot of trouble.
The driving license contains sensitive data covered by personal information protection laws and regulations. Randomly taking photos and sharing them may be illegal. I noticed that the Personal Information Protection Law explicitly requires the protection of such document information, and unauthorized dissemination could lead to legal risks, even fines. In practice, when handling vehicle-related matters, such information should only be provided in person to trusted institutions like the DMV or 4S stores, avoiding casually taking photos and sending them to others online. Otherwise, if the information is leaked and used for forging documents or committing fraud, the consequences could be severe, including legal troubles. My suggestion is to develop good habits: only provide the original document in person to official channels. If you must take a photo, use a blurring tool to obscure sensitive parts first to ensure safety.
