How many points are deducted and how much is the fine for not carrying a driver's license?
2 Answers
For driving a vehicle without carrying a driver's license, one point will be deducted, and a warning or fine may be imposed. If the vehicle license or driver's license is not carried with the vehicle, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle. Below are the relevant details: According to Article 95 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China: If a motor vehicle driven on the road does not display a motor vehicle license plate, does not have an inspection compliance mark or insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle license or driver's license, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle, notify the party to provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the relevant procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with Article 90 of this Law. The motor vehicle shall be promptly returned to the party after they provide the corresponding license, mark, or complete the relevant procedures. Intentionally covering, damaging, or improperly installing a motor vehicle license plate will be penalized according to Article 90 of this Law. Additional information: Article 19 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China states that driving a motor vehicle requires obtaining a driver's license in accordance with the law. Applicants for a driver's license must meet the driving permit conditions stipulated by the public security department under the State Council; upon passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security organ shall issue a driver's license of the corresponding category.
Back when I just got my driver's license, I made the same silly mistake and specifically asked my traffic police friend. The new regulations are much more humane now – if you simply forget to bring your physical license, you won't get points deducted, it mainly depends on your attitude. During checks, just take out your phone, open the Traffic Management 12123 app, and show your electronic license. If they really want to enforce penalties strictly, it would just be a warning fine of 20 to 200 yuan. Last time I got checked in Hangzhou, the officer saw it was my first offense and just waved me through. Of course, if you haven't even applied for the electronic license, that's really unacceptable. I recommend taking a photo of your license and storing it in your phone's cloud as backup – many cities now directly accept electronic versions of documents.
