Can I drive on the road if my driver's license has expired?
2 Answers
Driving is not allowed if the driver's license has expired. You must obtain a new driver's license before you can drive on the road. If the license has been expired for more than one year but less than three years, you will need to pass the subject one exam before you can renew it. If the license has been expired for more than three years, it will be automatically canceled, and you will need to re-enroll in a driving school to obtain a new driver's license. Motor vehicle drivers should apply for a license renewal at the vehicle management office where the license was issued or at another office within 90 days before the expiration date. When applying, you must fill out an application form and submit the following documents: 1. Proof of identity of the motor vehicle driver; 2. The driver's license; 3. A medical certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For those applying for a special small automatic transmission passenger vehicle for the disabled, a medical certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted.
I've seen too many cases of drivers being caught with expired licenses. As a professional who has dealt with traffic violations for years, I must emphasize this is absolutely not allowed. According to traffic laws, driving with an expired license is considered unlicensed driving - a serious offense. Traffic police will impose fines ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan, deduct 12 points, and may even impound your vehicle. More critically, an expired license voids your insurance coverage, meaning insurers won't pay a penny in case of accidents. When your license is nearing expiration, you must renew it no later than 90 days before expiry. Nowadays, you can easily handle this through the Traffic Management 12123 APP or at the vehicle management office - just bring your ID card and medical report, and it takes about half an hour. Never take the risk. As I often say, it's like driving without a seatbelt - may seem minor but carries endless consequences.
