Can I Not Carry My Driver's License If I Have an Electronic One?
3 Answers
In pilot cities, you can do without it, but not all cities across the country have implemented the electronic driver's license pilot program, so some areas still require carrying a physical driver's license. How to Apply for an Electronic Driver's License: If your driver's license is valid, you can apply for an electronic driver's license via the "Traffic Management 12123" app. However, if your license is seized, suspended, overdue for medical examination, overdue for review, or announced as suspended, you cannot apply for an electronic one. Limitations of Electronic Driver's Licenses: While electronic driver's licenses currently offer much convenience, there are still gaps in their adoption and functionality, preventing them from fully replacing paper licenses. Although electronic licenses can be used for verification, they have geographical restrictions. They can be used for traffic management services but do not function in cases of violations, point deductions, suspensions, or revocations of driver's licenses.
As a frequent driver, I'm quite familiar with electronic driver's licenses. In China, many places already accept electronic driver's licenses as valid documents. For instance, traffic police in some cities can check your license information through WeChat mini-programs. However, laws and regulations aren't uniform nationwide. Remote areas or certain checkpoints may still require physical driver's licenses because the electronic version relies on smartphones and internet connectivity. If your phone runs out of battery or has poor signal, officers might not be able to verify your license, potentially resulting in fines or penalty points. Therefore, I recommend carrying your physical driver's license even if you have the electronic version, especially when traveling long distances – it's worth the minor inconvenience. This can prevent unnecessary delays. Additionally, physical licenses are more convenient for verification during accident handling or car rentals, since safety comes first. In summary, electronic driver's licenses are great time-savers for daily use, but keeping a physical copy as backup is the smart choice.
I started using the electronic driver's license last year and found it quite convenient. When driving out, just take out your phone and scan it, saving the hassle of looking for the physical license. Traffic police generally recognize it during checks, but in rural areas or at highway entrances, sometimes officers insist on seeing the physical copy, saying they're worried about system lag. Once, my phone ran out of battery, and I almost got penalized—luckily, a friend helped me avoid trouble. So, based on my personal experience: if you're driving short distances in the city, the electronic version is usually enough. But for long trips or travel to other regions, always carry the paper license. Electronic licenses can be problematic—like app update errors or network outages. Make it a habit to keep the physical license in your car as a backup. It's not just about following the rules; it also gives you peace of mind. Driving should be about ease—don't risk big losses over small conveniences.
