Can the Vehicle Still Be Driven When Its Status is Locked?
2 Answers
If the vehicle is in a locked status, please first check with the local vehicle management office to determine the reason before driving on the road, so you will know whether it can be driven or not. If the vehicle has been impounded or seized by the court, it cannot be driven on the road. Vehicles in a locked status cannot be transferred or sold. Both locking and seizure are actions initiated by the court through a letter to the vehicle management department. Locking is a status during the preservation phase of the execution court's investigation to ensure clear property rights. If there is joint law enforcement in the area (generally in larger cities with legislative authority or above), the court and traffic management system can impound the vehicle. Seizure means the vehicle management office stops processing transfer-related businesses such as changes, but non-destructive procedures like annual inspections, insurance, and reissuing license plates are still processed normally.
When the vehicle status is locked, it's basically impossible to drive because the locking mechanism is primarily for anti-theft security. Modern vehicle anti-theft systems, once activated, will prevent the engine from igniting—no matter how much you press the accelerator or turn the key, it won't work. Common causes include a dead key fob battery, unauthorized operations triggering the system, or faults in the vehicle's control module. I often encounter car owners complaining that their vehicle is locked and thinking they can force it to start, only to make things worse. It's essential to quickly check if the key is near any interference sources or try replacing the battery. If that doesn't work, you'll need to visit a professional repair shop to reset the system using diagnostic tools. Attempting to force-start a locked vehicle is extremely risky and can easily damage electronic components—don't take that chance. In short, when the vehicle is locked, safety comes first—address the root cause as a priority.
