Can the 12123 App Replace a Physical Driver's License on the Road?
3 Answers
Having an electronic driver's license prepared is sufficient. Currently, many cities accept it, but in some cities, traffic police may still impose fines and deduct points (one point) during enforcement. Functions of the Electronic Driver's License: After obtaining an electronic driver's license, it can serve as a supplement to the traditional paper license. It also allows for handling some simple traffic violation cases and minor traffic accident matters. During routine checks by law enforcement officers while driving, the electronic driver's license can be presented, greatly facilitating people's daily lives. Ways to Apply for an Electronic Driver's License: If the driver's license is within its validity period, one can apply for an electronic driver's license via the 'Traffic Management 12123' app. However, if the license is seized, suspended, overdue for a medical examination, overdue for review, or announced as suspended for use, it cannot be applied for under normal circumstances.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I'm quite familiar with the electronic driver's license matter. The traffic management 12123 app has indeed launched this feature, which works in pilot cities like Beijing and Shanghai. However, it doesn't mean you can simply use your phone as a driver's license - you must follow the proper procedure to apply and activate the electronic version through the app. I tried it last year when stopped by traffic police, showing them the dynamic QR code on my phone, which worked but required presenting my ID card simultaneously. But here's a reminder: this isn't nationwide yet. When traveling to small counties or other regions, if the local system isn't connected or doesn't recognize it, you'll still need to present your physical plastic license. Plus, it can be awkward if your phone runs out of battery or crashes, so I always keep my physical license in my wallet for peace of mind when going out.
I usually rely heavily on mobile payments, but I never take driver's licenses lightly. The electronic driver's license on the Traffic Management 12123 platform requires active application—it doesn't automatically activate just by downloading the app. Cities like Hangzhou and Guangzhou have already implemented this system, making it convenient to show a QR code during traffic checks. However, a friend driving in Gansu for tourism found that local traffic police didn't recognize the electronic version at all, resulting in a fine for not carrying the physical license. Key points to note: electronic driver's licenses must be used alongside an ID card and can only serve as supplementary proof; in cases involving point deductions or license revocations, traffic police must confiscate the original paper license; remote areas often have poor signal, making it difficult to load the electronic version. For urban commuting, trying the electronic version is fine, but always keep a physical license in the trunk—especially for long trips.
