Can I handle the traffic violation if I drove my friend's car?
3 Answers
You can go by yourself. Traffic violation penalties are attributed to the driver, so the driver needs to handle it. However, the handling of points deduction, fines, and violations involves different recipients. Points are recorded in the driver's license records, fines can be paid by anyone, and violation information is recorded in the vehicle's records. Here is additional information: Relevant regulations: Article 108 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law" states that the party concerned shall pay the fine to the designated bank within 15 days from the date of receiving the administrative penalty decision for the fine. For fines imposed on pedestrians, passengers, and non-motor vehicle drivers, if the party concerned has no objection, the fine may be collected on the spot. The fine shall be accompanied by a unified fine receipt issued by the finance department of the province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government.
I had a similar experience last year when I borrowed a friend's car for a countryside trip and accidentally ran a red light, getting caught by the traffic camera. I was really nervous at the time and rushed to the traffic police station hoping to handle the violation myself. However, I was told that either a power of attorney from the vehicle owner or the owner's presence was required to process the violation, as the responsibility for the traffic violation is recorded under the owner's name. My driver's license and ID card were of no use. I immediately called my friend, who quickly sent over an electronic power of attorney and photos of the vehicle registration, allowing me to complete the fine payment. The whole process taught me that it's best to agree in advance on how to handle traffic violations when borrowing someone else's car, to avoid awkward situations or delays that could lead to late fees. After all, timely communication helps maintain friendships and reduces unnecessary misunderstandings.
When handling traffic violations for a friend's vehicle, it's crucial to pay special attention to legal requirements. I've noticed that many jurisdictions mandate that violations must be processed either by the vehicle owner in person or with written authorization. If you go alone, you might be turned away. The correct approach is to first check the violation details online or via an app to confirm the information, then have an open conversation with your friend. If they trust you enough to handle it on their behalf, they should provide a copy of the vehicle registration certificate along with a power of attorney. I recommend bringing both parties' identification documents to the traffic management center for processing—the entire procedure typically takes less than an hour. However, remember that regulations vary by region: some cities support online payments but still require the owner's account, so it's best to research local policies beforehand to avoid unnecessary trips.
