Can I Not Carry My Driver's License If I Have an Electronic One?

[DeAriana]

Electronic driver's licenses are only applicable in certain regions, and currently, they are not supported on highways. Although portable query terminals have been adopted by traffic police, not all local traffic police are using them. Therefore, in some areas, even if other valid documents are provided, driver's license information may not be accessible. Additional Information: The role of electronic driver's licenses: Electronic driver's licenses cannot completely replace physical driver's licenses. They can only serve as an auxiliary query tool. For handling various traffic violations and point deductions, a physical driver's license is still required. Electronic driver's licenses can only be used to assist in queries during traffic police inspections. Regulations: According to the national "Road Traffic Safety Law," drivers should carry their driver's licenses while driving. Failure to do so may result in a 1-point deduction or even the impoundment of the vehicle. With an "electronic driver's license," you may not carry the original, and presenting the electronic version will not incur penalties.

[McKylie]

Once I forgot to bring my driver's license while driving and happened to encounter a traffic police checkpoint. I was quite nervous at the time, so I quickly took out my phone and opened the electronic driver's license on the Traffic Management 12123 app. The officer scanned the QR code and let me go. However, it's important to note that currently only electronic licenses from the official app are recognized—screenshots or photos won't work. If you're going on a cross-province road trip, you need to be extra careful. Last year at a service area in a neighboring province, I saw someone get stuck using an electronic license because the local system wasn't connected to the network. By the way, you still need to bring the original paper copy when dealing with accidents or traffic violations—the electronic version is only for basic checks.

[KeiraLynn]

When I first got my driver's license, I also struggled with whether to carry the physical booklet. Nowadays, I mostly use the electronic license on my phone, which is sufficient for grocery runs and picking up the kids. But a couple of days ago, a fellow driver mentioned that in some older urban areas, traffic police insist on seeing the physical copy—he flashed his electronic license three times, and they still wouldn’t accept it. It’s advisable to keep a paper license in the glove compartment as a backup, which can be a lifesaver in emergencies like a dead phone or system updates. A special reminder for truck drivers: some highway toll stations have particularly strict checks, and you’ll still need the little blue booklet to get through.

[Polly]

The electronic driver's license is indeed convenient, but don't completely replace the physical one. Once my wife's phone was stolen, and she happened to encounter a DUI check. The traffic police almost impounded the car because she couldn't recite her ID number. For tasks like handling business at the DMV, annual vehicle inspections, or renting vehicles, staff will still require the original paper documents. For long-distance trips, it's advisable to place a waterproof document holder on the dashboard to store both the driver's license and vehicle registration, keeping them safe from the sun and easily accessible.

[DeKinsley]

A new intern at our company recently thought that an electronic driver's license was universally accepted across the country, but ended up being fined 50 yuan for not carrying a physical license while on a business trip to a remote area. Now we always remind newcomers: electronic licenses are generally fine in municipalities directly under the central government, but it's best to carry a physical one in county-level cities. Also, owners of modified cars should be extra cautious—during strict inspections, traffic police may require both the electronic and paper versions. And don’t skimp on a sturdy phone mount; a colleague’s phone fell during a bumpy ride, and with a shattered screen, he couldn’t even pull up his electronic license.

[SanJulian]

As a seasoned driver who's used an electronic driver's license for three years, I can tell you: it works perfectly for daily urban commuting. Just last week during an elevated road sobriety check, I simply scanned the QR code for verification. However, physical copies are mandatory for important occasions! For instance, when renewing my ride-hailing professional qualification certificate last year, the service window explicitly required a paper copy of my driver's license. Here's a pro tip for you – laminate your license and tuck it behind the sun visor. It stays out of sight yet remains instantly accessible. This simple trick can save you tons of trouble during heavy rainstorms or phone malfunctions. Also, always double-check you have the physical license handy before crossing provincial borders on highways.