How Long Can You Delay Handling a Locked Driver's License?
2 Answers
You can handle a locked driver's license at any time. A locked driver's license will not automatically unlock; it requires processing at the vehicle management office to restore it to normal status. Below are detailed explanations of the reasons for a driver's license being locked: 1. Unresolved violations: If there are multiple unresolved violations on the driver's license, typically reaching three, immediate handling is required. Failure to do so will result in the license being locked. 2. Unresolved drunk driving record: If there is an unresolved drunk driving record, the license will also remain locked. The conditions for resolution must be met before it can be unlocked at the vehicle management office. 3. Accumulation of 12 penalty points: If 12 penalty points are accumulated within a scoring cycle, the driver's license will automatically lock. It is essential to promptly address the point deductions on the license.
I remember last year my driver's license got locked because of an unpaid parking ticket. I tried to procrastinate at first, but a friend warned me not to exceed 15 days. Delaying could cause the fine to skyrocket from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, with more penalty points added. Worst of all, delaying for a month might lead to direct license suspension, making driving impossible. That lesson taught me to act promptly—now I head straight to the traffic authorities at the first sign of a lock. Time waits for no one, and rules vary by city: Beijing requires resolution within 15 days, while Guangzhou may allow a 30-day grace period, but the golden rule is the sooner, the better. If you're caught driving with a locked license during an accident, insurance claims could become problematic. So don’t let delay turn into disaster. Keeping your license in order is essential for daily driving—timely action ensures safety.
