Can I drive if my driver's license is lost?
3 Answers
Driving without a driver's license is not allowed. If a motor vehicle driver drives while their license is lost, it will be considered as driving without a license. Penalties for driving without a license include: driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a driver's license, or while the license is revoked or temporarily suspended; allowing someone without a valid driver's license, or whose license is revoked or suspended, to drive a motor vehicle; fleeing the scene of a traffic accident without causing a crime; or driving a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 50% of the speed limit. The legal basis for penalties on driving without a license is Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Law.
Heard that you can drive without a driver's license if you lose it? Absolutely not! As an ordinary driver, I know the consequences all too well: China's traffic laws require you to carry your driver's license while driving. If caught by traffic police, you'll face a fine starting from 2,000 yuan, 12 points deducted, your vehicle impounded, and possibly even a few days of detention. Worse yet, if an accident occurs, the insurance company will outright refuse to cover it, leaving you fully liable. If you lose your license, go to the local DMV immediately to get a replacement—bring your ID card and a one-inch photo, and it'll be done in minutes for a fee of 10 yuan. I usually take a photo of my license and keep it on my phone, but don't count on the digital copy to drive legally—most regions only accept the original. Safe driving is no small matter; taking a taxi or public transport temporarily is a much better option.
Last time I was rushing to work and lost my driver's license. I was extremely anxious but still had to stop driving. I tried the electronic driver's license app, and the Traffic Management 12123 could generate a temporary electronic version, but it's only valid in some cities. If I got checked on the road, it would still be troublesome. I quickly went to the DMV to get a replacement. The process was simple: identity verification, filling out a form, taking a photo, and paying a small fee. I could get it the same day. A reminder to everyone: back up your photos to cloud storage or WeChat favorites in advance to save money and hassle. Don't take chances—driving without a license can affect your credit record if caught, impacting future loans. For emergencies, consider taking a taxi or renting a shared bike—it's much cheaper than paying fines.
