Can I drive a vehicle with an electronic driver's license but no paper one?

[DiLaura]

If you haven't received your paper driver's license yet but already have an electronic one on the 12123 traffic management app, you cannot drive in areas where electronic licenses are not implemented. Here are the specific details: 1. Traffic Safety Law: You must legally obtain a motor vehicle driver's license. To apply for a motor vehicle driver's license, you must meet the driving permit conditions stipulated by the public security department under the State Council; after passing the exam, the traffic management department of the public security authority will issue a motor vehicle driver's license of the corresponding category. 2. Safety: If a driver accumulates 12 points within a scoring cycle, their motor vehicle driver's license will be confiscated by the traffic management department of the public security authority. The driver must then participate in road traffic safety law and regulation training and take the exam as required. If they pass the exam, the points will be cleared, and the driver's license will be returned; if they fail, they must continue with the training and exams.

[MacSilas]

I often encounter this situation with the car I'm currently driving. Based on my understanding of the latest traffic regulations, in most regions of China, an electronic driver's license is completely legal and valid. You can drive normally with it. As long as it's applied for through official apps like the Traffic Management 12123, showing the electronic license information on your screen to the traffic police for inspection is equivalent to presenting a paper license. However, in reality, there are a few details to keep in mind: if your phone runs out of battery, loses signal, or the app malfunctions, not having a paper copy could cause delays; some traffic police in remote areas might not be familiar with the electronic version and may require additional explanation; also, in cases of accident handling or lending your car to someone else, the other party might trust paper documents more. So, considering everything, while electronic licenses are convenient and eco-friendly for daily use, I still recommend keeping a paper copy with you as a backup—double insurance is the most reassuring. Make it a habit to keep your phone charged and update the app regularly to minimize unnecessary risks.

[DeOlive]

I'm an experienced driver who's been using an electronic driver's license for over six months now, and I find it quite practical. According to regulations, e-licenses hold the same validity as physical ones, so you're completely legal to drive with them. From my real-world experience: when pulled over for checks in urban areas, simply showing the license info on your mobile app suffices—officers accept it without issue. However, in remote locations or during heavy rain/storms when phones might act up, relying solely on the digital version could delay your trip. Personally, I keep a physical copy in my wallet as backup—it barely takes any space anyway. Also, pay attention to your app's login status and refresh cycles; you don't want to discover an expiration notice during a license check. An extra layer of preparation before hitting the road never hurts—safety always comes first when driving.

[ElizabethLynn]

I rely on tech products in daily life, and the electronic driver's license is truly hassle-free. It's legally recognized, so you can absolutely drive with it. Just make sure your phone is fully charged, the app is up-to-date, and you have a stable internet connection – that covers most scenarios. In practice, simply unlock your screen to display the info during checks – quick and convenient. However, in rare cases of weak signal or dead battery, the physical copy is more reliable. I recommend setting up a quick-access shortcut and keeping a screenshot as backup, especially when traveling out of town – an extra layer of security never hurts.