Can I drive if I haven't received my new driver's license yet?
3 Answers
You cannot drive if you haven't received your new driver's license. During the process of replacing the old license with a new one, the traffic police department will issue a receipt to the applicant along with relevant instructions. When road police require inspection, if the driver can present this receipt and it is verified as correct, the police will still allow passage, so it is not considered illegal driving. Below is relevant information: 1. During driver's license renewal period: You can drive normally during the driver's license renewal period. However, you cannot drive if it exceeds the validity period. If the license is renewed within 90 days of expiration, driving during this period is not considered unlicensed driving, but the supplementary page of the renewed license will indicate the license's validity period. If you don't renew within these 90 days and are caught driving after this period, it will be considered unlicensed driving. 2. Regulations: According to Articles 95 and 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, the handling for not carrying a driver's license is as follows: Regardless of whether the driver has violated any traffic laws, they are not allowed to continue driving, and the traffic management department of the public security organ should impound the motor vehicle and require the driver to provide their driver's license.
I encountered the same situation last year when I renewed my driver's license but the new one was delayed. Honestly, it's best not to drive because the law requires you to carry a valid driver's license at all times when on the road. If you're stopped by traffic police for inspection and can't present the new license, you might face fines, demerit points, or even have your vehicle temporarily impounded—that would be a huge hassle. Back then, I waited for two weeks and relied on buses or taxis for transportation. After calling the DMV, I learned that I needed to apply for a temporary permit. A driver's license serves as proof of identity; without it, you can't prove your driving qualification, and it might also affect insurance claims. Safety comes first—wait until the new license arrives before driving again to avoid unnecessary trouble. I recommend checking the progress on the DMV website or applying for a temporary permit now—don't take the risk.
If you haven't received your renewed driver's license, don't rush to drive. As someone with years of driving experience, I understand the importance of this rule: you must carry a valid license to drive legally. I recommend checking the receipt or acknowledgment from your renewal application first—it usually includes instructions for a temporary permit, which you can use for the time being. If you don't have that, contact the DMV hotline to confirm the status. Meanwhile, consider using shared bikes or public transport instead. Remember, driving without a valid license can lead to serious consequences, such as hefty fines, penalty points, or even issues with insurance claims. Play it safe and wait until you have your license in hand.
