Does it matter if the vehicle license is not under my name?

[DiEverly]

It does not matter if the driver's license and vehicle license are not under the same person, as long as both documents are carried when driving. Here is additional information: 1. Relevant regulations: According to Article 11 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, when driving a motor vehicle on the road, the vehicle license plate must be displayed, along with the inspection qualification mark and insurance mark, and the vehicle license must be carried. The vehicle license plate must be displayed clearly and completely in accordance with regulations and must not be intentionally obscured or damaged. No unit or individual may confiscate or detain a vehicle license plate. 2. Other regulations: It is prohibited to assemble a motor vehicle or alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization; change the model number, engine number, frame number, or vehicle identification number of a motor vehicle; forge, alter, or use forged or altered motor vehicle registration certificates, license plates, vehicle licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks; or use the registration certificates, license plates, vehicle licenses, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks of other motor vehicles.

[OAndrew]

I used to frequently drive my friend's car, which was registered under his name, and encountered numerous hassles every time. I remember once being pulled over by the police on the highway—after showing the vehicle registration, they questioned me extensively about my relationship with the owner and almost impounded the car and fined me. Luckily, I had a copy of my friend's ID to clarify the situation. Even worse, there was a minor accident where the other party was at fault and reported it to the police. However, the insurance company delayed the claim because the registration wasn’t in my name, insisting the owner had to be present to sign. It took two days to finally resolve the issue. This severely impacted daily use—for example, during vehicle inspections, the owner must be present or provide a notarized authorization letter, which is highly inconvenient. To avoid these risks, I suggest that if you drive a car regularly, it’s best to complete the ownership transfer at the DMV. Bring both parties' IDs and the vehicle documents, spend some time to change the registration to your name. Safety first—don’t let small issues escalate into big problems. It saves both hassle and peace of mind.

[JulietAnn]

Driving a car that's not registered under my name feels like a hassle. When I was younger, I loved borrowing family members' cars to go out. Once, I forgot to bring the proof, and the traffic police insisted on verifying the relationship during a check, which made me break out in a cold sweat. Every time I go to buy insurance, I have to pay extra because the owner's name is different, requiring more paperwork. Even for repairs and maintenance, the registered owner must sign, so I have to call someone else to come and handle it. In the long run, it's not cost-effective—it's risky and wastes energy. So now I've learned my lesson: either drive my own car or get a formal power of attorney.

[VanLena]

Having different names on the vehicle license can cause significant issues in actual vehicle usage. Common problems include difficulties in accident claims and hassle in handling traffic violations. For instance, during insurance claims, the insurer may question the right of use and require the owner to provide proof, otherwise refusing compensation. Traffic stops also require on-the-spot explanations of the relationship. The solution is to visit the DMV to transfer ownership and update the vehicle license information, which is much more convenient and secure.