Can I still drive if my car has 12 points deducted?

[SanWalter]

A driver's license with all 12 points deducted cannot be used for driving. First, let's correct a common misconception: vehicles cannot have points deducted; only driver's licenses can. In other words, points are deducted from the license holder, not the vehicle. If a driver's license has all 12 points deducted, it will be revoked, and the driver must retake the driving test. This test is commonly referred to as Subject 1. If a driver accumulates 12 points twice within a scoring cycle (12 months), in addition to taking Subject 1, they must also take Subject 3 (the road test). If a driver continues to drive with all 12 points deducted and is caught by traffic police, the vehicle will be impounded. The traffic management department of the public security authority may impose a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan and may also detain the driver for up to 15 days. For specific details, refer to Articles 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China.'

[DelAndres]

When I saw this question, the first thing that came to my mind was my neighbor Old Wang's experience. Last year, he was caught speeding 50% over the limit and had all 12 points deducted from his license on the spot, with his driver's license confiscated immediately. His car keys were left hanging on the wall as mere decoration. The traffic police specifically warned him that driving before retaking the theory test would count as driving without a license. Old Wang later told me that for over a month, he had to take taxis to and from work every day, spending nearly 2,000 yuan on transportation. The most troublesome part was attending a seven-day traffic safety school and scheduling the exam, which dragged on for two months in total. So, if you lose all 12 points, you really can't continue driving—otherwise, if caught, it's a 2,000 yuan fine plus 15 days of detention, and your car might even be impounded. But don’t panic too much; once you complete the study and exam process, you can get your license back. Just treat it as a hard lesson learned.

[JuliannaLee]

Just checked the detailed rules of the traffic law, driving is absolutely not allowed in this situation. When your driver's license accumulates 12 penalty points, its legal validity automatically terminates, meaning you temporarily lose your driving qualification. I've handled similar consultation cases where the person took a chance and drove out, only to be caught by high-definition traffic cameras. The penalties for unlicensed driving are much more severe than regular violations: besides a minimum fine of 2,000 yuan, you could face administrative detention, and if an accident occurs, criminal liability may follow. The correct approach is to register for a full-point education course at the traffic management department within 15 days of receiving the penalty notice, bringing your ID card. After completing seven days of study, schedule the subject one exam. Only after passing will the points be cleared. For travel during this period, it's advisable to choose public transport or ride-hailing services—don't risk crossing the legal red line.

[EliFitz]

Take my honest advice: don't drive! Last month, our colleague Brother Zhang was caught drunk driving and had 12 points deducted. The traffic police immediately confiscated his license on the spot, and he had to ask someone else to drive his car home. He vented his frustrations in our work group chat, saying he now has to transfer three times on the subway for his commute, waking up an hour earlier than before. The worst part was last weekend when he couldn't find a taxi to pick up his child from school and was running around in a panic. Actually, the regulations are very clear: before driving again, he must attend traffic safety school to study traffic laws, and after passing the exam, the traffic management department will issue a clearance certificate. I suggest checking the local traffic police app right away to schedule the process—the sooner it's handled, the sooner he can relax.

[OSkylar]

I specifically consulted a traffic police friend about this situation. When the total demerit points on a driver's license reach 12, the system will automatically lock the driving qualification. Continuing to drive will trigger dual penalties. Firstly, it will be treated as driving without a license, with a fine starting from at least 2000 yuan. At the same time, for refusing to comply with the suspension penalty, there will be an additional detention of up to 15 days. In reality, many car owners think they just can't handle traffic violations and drive as usual, only to have their vehicles directly impounded after being caught by electronic police. To restore normal status is quite simple: bring your ID card to the traffic police station window to register for study, and usually the learning permission on the 12123 platform can be activated on the spot. After completing the required online study hours, schedule an exam. Passing with a score of 90 is actually not difficult.

[EllianaDella]

As a seasoned driver, I must remind you: never touch the steering wheel under these circumstances. Losing 12 points on your license is like receiving a yellow card warning in soccer—equivalent to being sent off the field for a foul. Last week, a customer at the auto repair shop ignored this warning, drove to a gas station after losing all points, and got his car impounded during a random checkpoint inspection. The aftermath is a major hassle—the vehicle gets towed for storage, and you’ll need a licensed friend to handle procedures at the traffic police station. Recovering your license involves four steps: settling all violations, paying fines, completing a seven-day full-point education course, and passing the theory exam (Subject 1). The entire process takes at least ten days, during which you’ll rely on public transport or rides from friends.