Can I still drive with 0 points on my driver's license?

[DiLondon]

No, you cannot drive. Having 0 points on your driver's license means you have been deducted 12 points. If a motor vehicle driver accumulates 12 points within a scoring cycle, the traffic management department of the public security authority shall confiscate their motor vehicle driver's license. The motor vehicle driver must attend a seven-day study session on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge at the traffic management department of the public security authority where the driver's license was issued or where the violation occurred within fifteen days. After completing the study session, the vehicle management office shall conduct an examination on road traffic safety laws, regulations, and related knowledge within twenty days. If the examination is passed, the points will be cleared, and the motor vehicle driver's license will be returned; if the examination is not passed, the driver must continue to participate in the study session and retake the examination. If the driver refuses to participate in the study session or take the examination, the traffic management department of the public security authority will announce the suspension of their motor vehicle driver's license.

[Ryder]

A few days ago, I accompanied a friend to the traffic police station to handle a violation, and only then did I understand this matter. Having 0 points displayed on your driver's license is actually quite normal—it means you haven’t been penalized in the current cycle or any previous penalties have been cleared. As long as your license is within its validity period and hasn’t been suspended or revoked, you can definitely drive with 0 points. However, it’s crucial to note that if your license was confiscated after accumulating 12 points and you’ve since cleared the penalties by retaking the test, you must first retrieve your license from the traffic police station before driving. My neighbor, Old Zhang, forgot to collect his license after clearing the points last year and was nearly charged with driving without a license when stopped on the road. For daily checks, I recommend using the Traffic Management 12123 app to verify your license status—it’s more reliable than just checking the points.

[DiLily]

I've also thought about this issue. My driver's license has been at 0 points for years, but I drive every day. The key isn't how many points are displayed, but whether the license itself is suspended. For example, a newly issued license naturally starts at 0 points, or it automatically resets to 0 after the demerit point cycle - both cases allow normal driving. However, if your license is temporarily suspended due to drunk driving or other violations, driving with 0 points displayed still counts as unlicensed driving. Also, a reminder: points don't update immediately after handling a violation - it usually takes about 3 days for the system to refresh. Last month after handling a speeding ticket, my app showed 0 points while the traffic police system was still processing. During such transition periods, it's best to carry the processing receipt with you.

[OCamila]

As a veteran driver with fifteen years of experience, my advice is that having zero points on your license doesn't affect driving at all. What you really need to watch out for are these red flags: an expired license, a license that's been officially suspended, or accumulating 12 points without attending the required courses. Last week at the repair shop, I met a young guy proudly showing his 'zero-point' license, only to find out upon closer inspection that it was actually revoked last year for drunk driving. I recommend checking the validity page of your driver's license every six months—by the time you notice point discrepancies, it's often too late. If you're pulled over by traffic police, simply present your valid driver's license, and you'll be fine.

[LaPiper]

It's normal for your driving license to show 0 points after the points are cleared. You can drive as long as it's not in these two situations: first, if your license is in a suspended period; second, if the accumulated points reach 12 and haven't been addressed. I checked Article 24 of the Traffic Law, which clearly states that you can use your license normally if the accumulated points are below 12. However, I'd like to remind friends with modified cars that if you've been penalized for modifications, even after the points are cleared, you must ensure the vehicle has been restored to its original condition. At a previous car meet, a buddy drove his modified car after the points were cleared but was caught without making the required changes, and his car was impounded directly.

[MiguelLynn]

My daughter just got her driver's license and asked the same question. Actually, it's like how a bank card balance showing zero doesn't mean the card is invalid - having 0 points on your license just means no violations in the current cycle. But watch out for two hidden pitfalls: first, offenses like speeding over 50% or drunk driving can get your license directly revoked regardless of the points displayed; second, delayed handling of out-of-town violations might lead to point freezing. Last time during a road trip in Gansu, I got a speeding ticket - back home the local system showed 0 points, but Gansu still had 6 points pending, which could cause trouble if checked across provinces. I recommend regularly checking points through official channels, which is more accurate than relying solely on app data.