Does an Electronic Driver's License Have the Same Effect as a Physical One?
2 Answers
In cities where the electronic driver's license pilot program is implemented, it holds the same effect. The electronic driver's license consists of three parts: basic driver's license information, QR code-embedded information, and the electronic certificate generation time. It is quite similar to a physical driver's license. Advantages of an electronic driver's license: Convenient application: Drivers can log into their personal account on the "Traffic Management 12123" platform to obtain it. The electronic driver's license has a unified nationwide format and carries the same legal effect as a physical driver's license. Convenient presentation: The electronic driver's license is generated through the National Public Security Traffic Management Electronic Certificate System, dynamically displaying the status of the driver's license. It can be used in various scenarios such as law enforcement management and public services, facilitating real-time queries, presentations, and verifications. Convenient usage: The electronic driver's license employs digital signature anti-counterfeiting technology, ensuring authenticity, uniqueness, security, and reliability. Drivers can present their electronic driver's license for traffic management services like vehicle and driver administration, handling traffic violations, and dealing with traffic accidents without needing to submit a physical driver's license. It can also be presented for insurance claims, vehicle rentals, and professional recruitment, allowing relevant organizations to verify driving qualifications online. This makes driving more convenient for the public and better serves the development of industries and businesses.
Last time I was pulled over by traffic police, I just showed the electronic driver's license on my phone. The policy has been clear for a long time that electronic licenses are fully equivalent to physical ones. The Ministry of Public Security implemented electronic driver's licenses nationwide in 2021, which can be used for vehicle inspections, traffic violation processing, and even car rental companies accept them. However, there are two exceptions: first, if the license is suspended or revoked, you need to submit the physical version; second, in remote areas with poor signal, it might not load. Now I keep a physical license in the glove box as a backup, but I rely on my phone for daily use, so I'm not worried about emergencies. I recommend everyone download the 12123 Traffic Management APP to apply for the electronic version, but don't delete the original driver's license.
