Can I drive without carrying my driver's license?
3 Answers
You cannot drive without carrying your driver's license. If stopped by traffic police, your vehicle will be impounded on the spot according to the provisions of the Road Traffic Safety Law until you retrieve your license. Additionally, you will be penalized with a one-point deduction and a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. The driver's license, officially known as the motor vehicle driving license or simply 'license,' is a legal document required for operating motor vehicles. Driving a motor vehicle requires specific skills, and lacking these skills while driving recklessly can lead to traffic accidents. Generally, individuals without a license are not permitted to drive on public roads. However, for those who have acquired safe driving skills, the document that permits them to drive legally is the 'driver's license.' This indicates that a driver's license serves as a 'certificate of permission.'
I actually ran into this situation a couple of days ago. I was in such a hurry when leaving home that I forgot to bring my driver's license, and got pulled over by traffic police for a document check halfway through my trip. It gave me quite a scare—the officer informed me this was a violation, issuing an immediate 200-yuan fine and deducting 1 point from my license. He emphasized that drivers must carry a valid physical license at all times, as failure to do so could lead to liability issues in accidents or affect insurance claims. Luckily, I had a photo of my e-license on my phone, but the officer said they only accept the original document. Since then, I've made it a habit to always keep my license in my wallet or glove compartment—good habits save a lot of trouble. If you genuinely forget it, my advice is to stop driving immediately and either call a designated driver or take alternative transportation to avoid harsher penalties. Some cities are now promoting e-license apps, but adoption is still limited, so personal vigilance remains crucial.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I can confidently say that you must carry your driver's license when driving. It's absolutely unacceptable to hit the road without it. Traffic regulations clearly state that driving without a license is a violation, punishable by fines and demerit points at minimum, or even vehicle impoundment in severe cases, while increasing the risk of traffic accidents. Since my younger years, I've developed the habit of checking my documents before getting in the car, keeping my license in a fixed small pouch inside the vehicle to prevent forgetting. If I occasionally forget to bring it, I choose not to drive or have a family member deliver the license rather than risk driving without it, as police can conduct random checks anytime, especially during holidays when enforcement is strict. Safe driving isn't just about yourself—it affects others too, and following the rules is a responsibility. While electronic driver's licenses are being trialed in some regions, they haven't been implemented nationwide yet, making the physical copy far more reliable.
