Can I still drive if my driver's license has expired and I forgot to renew it?
3 Answers
Driving with an expired driver's license is not allowed. If the person fails to apply for license renewal in time as required, an expired license means the driver no longer has the legal qualification to drive. Continuing to drive on the road will be considered unlicensed driving, which may result in fines and detention for up to 15 days. Here is additional information: 1. According to auto insurance policy terms, insurance coverage only applies to qualified and legal vehicles. If the driver fails to renew the license, the vehicle being driven is considered unqualified, and the insurance company has the right to reject the owner's claim. 2. Illegal driving behaviors include unlicensed driving, driving with a suspended license, or driving with an invalid or non-compliant license. Insurance companies do not assume liability for these behaviors.
For those who frequently commute by car, never take the risk of driving with an expired license just to save trouble. An expired license is as good as a piece of useless paper, offering no validity and posing high risks. I remember once when my license was about to expire, I neglected to renew it for a week and ended up being pulled over while driving. I was fined 500 yuan and received penalty points, which later caused my insurance premiums to increase—definitely not worth it. Renewing your license is actually quite simple: just bring your ID card and medical examination report to the vehicle management office, and you can usually do it within 90 days before the expiration date. Nowadays, you can even apply and schedule an appointment online to save time. If your license has been expired for less than a year, the renewal process is quicker; if it’s been over a year, you might have to retake the test, which is a real hassle. Make it a habit to regularly check your license’s expiration date and set a phone reminder to avoid forgetting and incurring more losses.
Having driven for over twenty years, I deeply understand that you must not continue driving after your driver's license expires. A driver's license is the legal proof for driving, and once it expires, it becomes invalid. Driving with an expired license is equivalent to driving without a license, which is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. I've seen many friends who, for the sake of convenience, ended up being caught by traffic police, facing fines ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, and in severe cases, even detention for more than ten days. Such records can affect future license renewals and insurance. Timely renewal is key—don't delay. Just go to the local vehicle management office to handle it. The process is simple: bring your photo and medical examination report, submit the materials, and you can get your new license. If the expiration is short, renewal is easy; if it's longer, you might need to retake the test. If you really need to use a car, I suggest calling a taxi or asking a family member to drive for you. Safety is more important than anything else.
