Do I Need to Carry My Driver's License at All Times?
2 Answers
Driver's license and vehicle registration must be carried at all times. The handling for not carrying a driver's license is as follows: Regardless of whether the driver has violated any traffic laws while driving, they are not allowed to continue driving the vehicle. The traffic management department of the public security authority shall impound the motor vehicle and require the driver to provide their driver's license. Depending on the situation, the following actions will be taken: 1. If the driver provides the license and there are no other violations during driving, a warning or fine will be issued, and the vehicle will be promptly returned; 2. If the driver provides the license but has committed other violations while driving, penalties will be imposed based on the violations and the failure to carry the license, and the vehicle will be promptly returned; 3. If the driver fails to provide the license, they will be penalized for driving without a license.
I remember when I first started driving, my elders always reminded me to carry my driver's license with me at all times, as it's not just a legal requirement but also a safety habit. In China, traffic regulations clearly stipulate that drivers must carry either the original valid driver's license or an electronic version while driving. Otherwise, if stopped by police for inspection, one may face a fine ranging from 50 to 200 yuan or even penalty points, which could affect driving records. I learned this the hard way during a business trip when I forgot my license and had to spend half a day dealing with the consequences before paying the fine—what a hassle! Nowadays, some cities support electronic driver's licenses, like the one in the Traffic Management 12123 app I use, but it doesn't work well in areas with poor signal. So, I recommend keeping a physical copy in your wallet or a fixed spot in the car and making it a habit to check before every drive. After all, it not only avoids legal risks but also helps quickly prove identity during accident handling, saving time. In short, carrying it with you is the safest choice—when it comes to safety, no detail is too small.
