Can I drive while my driver's license is in the mail?
3 Answers
No, driving a vehicle requires possession of both a driver's license and vehicle registration. Detailed information: If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 penalty points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall confiscate their motor vehicle driver's license. The driver must report to the traffic management department that issued the license or where the violation occurred within 15 days to undergo a seven-day study program on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge. Additional information: If the vehicle owner has successfully applied for a license replacement via the traffic management 12123 platform, they can log in again to check whether the date on their electronic driver's license has been updated before the physical copy arrives by mail. If updated, the owner can drive normally by presenting the electronic license during police checks; if the date hasn't been updated, they should refrain from driving temporarily to avoid legal violations.
You cannot drive while your driver's license is in the mail. According to traffic regulations, drivers must carry the original valid driver's license with them to legally operate a motor vehicle. If your license is still being mailed and you don't have it on hand, you may be considered as driving without a license if stopped by traffic police, resulting in a fine ranging from 200 to 2000 RMB. In severe cases, your vehicle may be impounded or points deducted. I once saw a friend who didn’t pay attention to this and got fined while driving to handle some errands—it was such a hassle. I recommend waiting until you receive your license before driving, or going to the DMV to get a temporary permit for emergencies—that’s much safer. Don’t take the risk; safety comes first. Traffic rules exist to ensure everyone complies, making the roads safe and reliable. Remember, be patient—it’s never too late to start your car once the mail arrives.
You absolutely cannot drive while your driver's license is in the mail. Having driven for over a decade, I know exactly how dangerous it is to drive without a license. I once tried to tough it out myself, only to get fined during a traffic stop and end up causing unnecessary trouble. Traffic laws require you to carry the physical license at all times - if an accident occurs or you're asked for ID, you must produce the original document to prove you're driving legally. There's always a risk of delays or loss during mailing, so it's best not to entertain any risky ideas. My advice is to plan ahead: either apply for a temporary permit when renewing your license, or simply use public transportation for those few days. As veteran drivers know, following the rules (like not running red lights) makes life go smoothly. Don't risk major consequences for temporary convenience - regret always comes too late.
