Do I Need to Carry My Driver's License While Driving?
2 Answers
It is necessary to carry a motor vehicle driver's license. Here are the relevant details about motor vehicle driver's licenses: According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, driving a motor vehicle without carrying the vehicle license, without carrying the driver's license, without properly displaying the motor vehicle license plate, without affixing the vehicle annual inspection sticker, or without affixing the vehicle insurance sticker are all considered illegal acts. Precautions for using a motor vehicle driver's license: Always carry your motor vehicle driver's license when driving. The driver's license must not be lent to others and must be used by the driver themselves. The driver's license must be renewed within the specified time to avoid any impact on its use. The driver's license contains personal information of the motor vehicle driver, so it is important to prevent loss and keep it safe.
Having driven for many years, my experience tells me that I must carry my driver's license with me at all times. That's what the law requires. Otherwise, if stopped by the police without it, you could be fined between 200 to 2000 yuan, plus points deducted—what a hassle. I remember once on a business trip when I forgot it and got pulled over on the highway. It took forever to get cleared, making me late for the meeting. Nowadays, there are electronic options like the 12123 app, which can display your license on your phone. While convenient, some areas have poor signal, or officers might not accept the electronic version, so carrying the physical card is still more reliable. Make it a habit to keep it in your wallet and just check your pocket before heading out to drive. Don’t cut corners—if an accident happens without ID to prove your identity, it’s even more trouble. Safety first. Don’t wait until you regret it to learn your lesson; carrying it with you ensures peace of mind. The electronic version is a good backup, but the physical license is double insurance.