Can I drive with only a photocopy of the vehicle license?

[JohnLynn]

A photocopy of the vehicle license is not acceptable for driving. According to traffic regulations, drivers must carry the original vehicle license with them at all times, otherwise they will be fined. The vehicle license consists of three parts: the license holder, the main page, and the supplementary page. The front of the main page contains the signed core of the license, while the back features a photo of the vehicle, both sealed in plastic. The supplementary page contains another signed core, with the text on the front of the main page printed in black. Article 11 of the Road Traffic Safety Law states: When driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle must display its license plate, have valid inspection and insurance labels, and carry the original vehicle license. The license plate must be displayed clearly and completely as required, without intentional obstruction or damage. To apply for a replacement or reissue of the vehicle license, the following documents are required: 'Application Form for Replacement/Reissue of Motor Vehicle License Plates and Certificates'; the identity proof of the vehicle owner and a photocopy; if an agent is handling the process, the agent's identity proof and a photocopy must also be provided.

[ColtonMarie]

I remember encountering this situation while driving before. A friend said that carrying just a photocopy should be fine, but in reality, when traffic police conduct checks at intersections, they must see the original vehicle license in your hand. Photocopies only serve as supplementary documents for administrative procedures, such as when dealing with insurance companies or vehicle registration, but they are not recognized for on-road law enforcement. Once, when my car was involved in a minor accident, an auxiliary police officer checked my documents. I presented a photocopy and was immediately warned and fined a small amount. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to always keep the original vehicle license in my wallet and store a photocopy on my phone as a backup, but never rely on luck. The law is clear on this—it relates to driving safety and avoiding disputes. So, everyone must carry the original when driving, no matter how inconvenient it may seem. Safety comes first.

[DelMartin]

Based on my decades of driving experience, the vehicle registration certificate must be the original to be legally valid on the road. Copies can easily be forged or misused, and traffic police only recognize the original as proof of a vehicle's legal identity during routine checks. I once heard about a neighbor who took a copy on the road and ended up having their car impounded and paying a fine—definitely not worth it. Driving isn't a trivial matter; the law requires complete documentation to protect everyone. I recommend keeping copies at home as backups and carrying the original in the car, while also regularly checking if the documents have expired. Avoiding accidents and reducing risks makes driving safer and more efficient.

[DelSadie]

When I first got my driver's license, I was also curious about this. The instructor said a copy of the vehicle license isn't valid for driving - the original must be presented during inspections. While keeping a copy on your phone might seem convenient, traffic police strictly require the physical original document based on regulations. Carrying the original is a fundamental habit - I now always keep a spare in my glove compartment. Don't try to save effort on this, as you could easily get penalty points if problems arise. This lesson from driver's training really proves useful.