Can I drive without bringing my driver's license?
4 Answers
Driving without a driver's license is not allowed, as it constitutes an illegal act. If caught, you will face penalties. Traffic police will temporarily impound the vehicle and require the driver to retrieve their license. The vehicle will only be returned after verifying that the license indeed belongs to the driver. Additionally, one point will be deducted from the driver's record, and a fine will be imposed. If the driver provides the license but is found violating traffic laws during the drive, penalties will be applied based on the violation and for not carrying the license, after which the vehicle will be promptly returned. If the driver fails to provide a license, they will be penalized for driving without a license. For those without a valid driver's license, a fine will be imposed along with detention for up to 15 days.
Having driven for many years, I've learned that driving without a driver's license is absolutely not allowed. Traffic regulations clearly state that drivers must carry their license with them at all times—it's a basic requirement. If caught by traffic police, you could face a fine of around 200 yuan and possibly have 1 point deducted. The biggest hassle arises in case of an accident—not having your license can delay the handling process and even affect insurance claims. For instance, during a long-distance trip, I once forgot my license and was pulled over midway, resulting in a fine and ruining the entire journey. I recommend making it a habit to check if your license is within reach before every drive to avoid unnecessary trouble. While digital driver's licenses are now accepted in some cities, it's still safer to carry the physical copy. Driving is about safety, and having your license ensures smooth identity verification.
I'm very cautious and never drive without my driver's license. It's not just a legal issue, but also affects family safety. In case of an accident, if the police ask for your license and you don't have it, the responsibility determination could become complicated, and penalties might even be increased. When I go out with my child, I always remind myself to bring all the documents, which gives me peace of mind. As far as I know, the fine is usually under 200 yuan, and while losing 1 point may seem minor, it can become troublesome if accumulated. Electronic versions can be used in some apps, but the coverage is limited, so don't rely entirely on them. I suggest following my example: keep your driver's license in a fixed spot in your wallet and check it by touch before every drive. Save yourself the trouble—safety comes first when driving.
I'm used to carrying my documents when driving. Don't risk driving without your driver's license. That's how the regulations are set - you'll face fines and points deduction for not carrying it, and in serious cases, your vehicle may be impounded. With rapid technological advancements, some cities now support electronic driver's licenses. You can use them by downloading apps like WeChat Mini Programs or traffic police platforms. I've personally used my phone to show my license during checks, but don't count on it being accepted nationwide - it might not be recognized when traveling outside the city. If you forget your license, find a place to park first rather than forcing your way onto the road. From a safety perspective, being unlicensed in an accident makes it hard to prove your identity and adds complications. Developing good habits easily avoids these problems.
