Can You Drive Without Carrying Your Driver's License?
2 Answers
You must carry your driver's license while driving. If you are caught driving without a license, the traffic police will impound your vehicle on the spot until you retrieve your driver's license. Additionally, you will be penalized with a one-point deduction and a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. If you cannot provide your driver's license or any other valid identification, the traffic police will treat it as driving without a license. Below is more information about traffic violations: 1. Overtaking without using lights as required results in a 100-yuan fine and a one-point deduction. 2. Driving a motor vehicle without using lights as required leads to a one-point deduction. 3. Driving a motor vehicle with cargo exceeding the specified length, width, or height results in a one-point deduction. 4. Driving a motor vehicle on the road without displaying the inspection qualification mark, insurance mark, or carrying the vehicle license and driver's license leads to a one-point deduction.
Last time I was stopped by a traffic police officer on the highway for a check, and it turned out I had left my driver's license in a drawer at home. The officer said that according to regulations, the original driver's license must be carried when driving. Although I had photos and an electronic version, the officer explained these couldn't fully replace the physical document. In the end, I was deducted 1 point and fined 200 yuan, and my car was temporarily impounded for 2 hours while waiting for my family to bring the license. Since then, I've kept my driver's license and vehicle registration card in a card holder placed in a fixed spot in the center console. After all, while the chance of being checked isn't high, encountering it is a big hassle. Remember, carrying your driver's license is not just a legal requirement—it also helps quickly prove your identity in case of an accident.