Is it allowed to drive with an expired driver's license?
4 Answers
Driving with an expired driver's license is not permitted. The reasons are as follows: 1. Unlicensed driving: Driving after the expiration of the driver's license is considered unlicensed driving. 2. Penalties: For unlicensed driving, the traffic management department of the public security authority may impose a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan; detention for up to 15 days may also be imposed. If an accident occurs and constitutes a crime, criminal liability may be pursued according to the law. 3. Relevant laws: According to Article 99, Paragraph 1, Item 1 and Paragraph 2 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a motor vehicle driver's license, or when the driver's license is revoked or temporarily suspended, shall result in a fine of 200 to 2,000 yuan imposed by the traffic management department of the public security authority.
I just encountered this situation and wanted to share my experience. Driving with an expired license is absolutely not allowed! It's clearly stipulated by law as unlicensed driving, and if caught, you could face serious trouble. The police will impound your vehicle and impose fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan, and you might also get points deducted or even face a few days of detention, which will affect your driving record. The worst part is, if you're involved in an accident, the insurance company won't cover a single penny once they see your license is expired. You'll have to pay out of pocket for medical bills and car repairs, which could financially ruin you. I remember a friend who drove for a few days with an expired license for convenience's sake and ended up paying tens of thousands in a minor accident—he regretted it deeply. Renewing your license is quite easy nowadays. Just bring your ID and photos to the DMV or apply online, and the medical check-up isn't complicated either. It's best to set a reminder to avoid expiration—safety should always come first. Don't risk major consequences for minor conveniences and mess up your life. Renewing on time is worry-free and ensures your protection.
As an experienced driver, I have to be honest—once your driver's license expires, you absolutely cannot drive anymore. This is no trivial matter. You might feel fine on the road, but the risks are enormous. First, an expired license means your driving privileges are invalid, like forgetting to engage the safety lock when changing a tire—your car could veer out of control. If an accident happens and the police check your documents, it’ll be classified as illegal operation, voiding your insurance and leaving you fully liable for damages. Second, if you don’t renew your license for a long time, your skills may rust, and you might unknowingly violate new traffic rules. I believe drivers should regularly check their license expiration dates and stop driving if it’s expired, using public transport or ride-hailing as a temporary solution. Nowadays, you can schedule renewals via mobile apps, often completed in just a few days—don’t cut corners and risk major consequences. Protecting yourself and others is what matters most. Make it a habit to check your license expiry during routine car maintenance to avoid unnecessary trouble.
If your driver's license expires, don't drive! I've experienced this firsthand, and the consequences are severe. If caught by traffic police, you'll immediately receive a hefty fine and have your vehicle impounded. To retrieve your car, you must pay the fine plus renewal fees. Even worse is the risk of accidents—insurance is invalid outside the validity period, and there are countless cases where claims are denied, and you end up being sued instead. Remember, it's common sense to check and renew your license every few years and to stop driving when it expires. The renewal process is actually simple: just undergo a medical check-up, take a photo, and submit the required materials. You can quickly obtain a temporary permit for emergency use. Don't take the risk—even driving for a single day is dangerous.
