Can You Drive Without Carrying Your Driver's License?
3 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.
My colleague suffered a big loss last week just because he didn't carry his driver's license. The traffic police have made it clear that driving without a license is illegal and will result in vehicle impoundment. Many cities are now promoting electronic driver's licenses, but they are only fully recognized in some pilot areas. It's best to check local regulations before heading out. Our fleet drivers all say that keeping your license with you should become as habitual as carrying your phone - always check your pocket before getting in the car. Once when I rented a car for a business trip and forgot my license, I ended up running to the DMV for a temporary permit, which not only delayed my schedule by half a day but also cost me over 200 yuan in unnecessary expenses. While keeping a photo of your electronic license on your phone can work in emergencies, never treat it as standard practice.
