Can I renew my C1 driver's license if there are traffic violations on it?
2 Answers
When driving a vehicle with a C1 driver's license, if the vehicle has unresolved traffic violations, you cannot proceed with the renewal of the C1 driver's license upon its expiration. According to Article 70 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses": When applying for the renewal of a motor vehicle driver's license in accordance with Articles 57 and 58 of these regulations, the driver shall undergo an inspection by the traffic management department of the public security authority. Article 71 states: If there are unresolved traffic violations or accidents, if the physical condition does not meet the requirements for driving, or if the driver has not participated in required study, education, or exams as stipulated, the inspection will not be passed. For the annual renewal of an expired driver's license, the old license must be surrendered to the vehicle management office. According to Order No. 123 from the Ministry of Public Security, the renewal of the driver's license can be applied for up to 90 days in advance at the original issuing vehicle management office. Documents required for renewing the driver's license: Original and photocopy of ID card. Qualified medical examination form from a hospital designated by the vehicle management office. Completed driver's license renewal application form and processing fee. Three one-inch white-background color photos. Photos and medical examination reports required for renewal can be brought by the applicant. If concerned about their validity, these can be processed directly at the traffic police office to avoid delays. Important points regarding the renewal of an expired driver's license: If the license is expired, the traffic police may impose a fine but no points will be deducted. There is also a latest deadline for renewal: if the license has been expired for less than a year, it can be renewed through the normal process; if expired for one to three years, the license will be canceled, but it can be re-obtained by passing the subject one exam; if expired for more than three years, the license will be canceled. When applying, the applicant must fill out the application form and submit the following documents: proof of identity of the motor vehicle driver; the motor vehicle driver's license; a medical condition certificate issued by a county-level or higher medical institution or a military medical institution at the regimental level or above. For applications for a special small automatic passenger vehicle for disabled persons, a medical condition certificate issued by a specialized medical institution designated by the provincial health authority must be submitted.
We veteran drivers know best that having traffic violations on your driver's license doesn't affect the renewal process at all. I've successfully renewed my C1 license several times after dealing with violations - the key is to clear all outstanding violations before applying. For instance, all fines must be paid, and the demerit point cycle must be completed before it's considered settled. As long as you bring your medical examination report and old license to the DMV and complete all procedures according to regulations, renewal is completely hassle-free. However, pay special attention to your license's expiration date - don't wait until it's been expired for over a year to handle it, or you'll have to retake the written test. My advice is to settle any outstanding violations at least half a month in advance for the smoothest process.
