Can You Drive a Motor Vehicle with a Damaged Driver's License?
3 Answers
You cannot drive a motor vehicle with a damaged driver's license. Article 28 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" stipulates that a motor vehicle driver shall not drive a motor vehicle when the driver's license is lost, damaged, expired, detained or temporarily confiscated according to law, or when the accumulated demerit points reach 12. Overview: The full name of the driver's license is the motor vehicle driver's license, also known as a "driving license," which is a certificate required by law for motor vehicle drivers. Driving a motor vehicle requires certain driving skills, and those lacking such skills may cause traffic accidents if they drive recklessly. Driving without a license is prohibited. Notes: The permission to drive a vehicle is granted through the issuance of a driver's license. This indicates that obtaining a driver's license is a formal procedure and must be issued by a specialized authority.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have personally experienced the issue of a damaged driver's license—once it got soaked in the rain while I was riding a bike, and all the text on the license became illegible. Let me tell you, under no circumstances should you drive in such a situation! If the police can't clearly read your name or the expiration date during a check, it will be treated as driving without a license. The penalties range from fines and demerit points to vehicle impoundment or even detention. The law explicitly states that you must carry a valid and legible license while driving; a damaged one is invalid. Back then, I immediately went to the DMV to apply for a replacement. I brought my ID card and the damaged original, paid a few dozen yuan, and got the new license in a day or two. For temporary driving needs, I recommend asking a friend to drive for you or using a ride-hailing app—safety first, don’t cut corners and risk trouble. It’s also crucial to regularly protect your documents with a plastic sleeve to avoid water damage or wear that could lead to similar issues.
As an automotive enthusiast, I pay special attention to details—driving with a damaged license is definitely not allowed. Think of it this way: the license is like a car's ID card. When police scan it, invalid information may appear, causing the inspection to fail. Common damages like water immersion, creases, or wear can blur the barcode or photo. Immediate action is required: take photos of the damage as backup, then make an online appointment with the DMV for a replacement or apply for a temporary permit via the official app (supported in most cities). I once witnessed a friend who kept driving out of laziness and ended up with 12 penalty points and a 2,000-yuan fine, nearly jeopardizing his job. My advice: store your license in a dry box, avoid leaving it in the car under direct sunlight or mixing it with keys to prevent accidental damage to your driving privileges.
