Is It Mandatory to Carry a Driver's License While Driving?
2 Answers
It is mandatory to carry a driver's license while driving. The following are the relevant legal provisions: 1. Article 95: For motor vehicles driven on the road without displaying license plates, inspection qualification marks, or insurance marks, or without carrying the vehicle registration certificate 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 plates, marks, or complete the required procedures, and may impose penalties in accordance with Article 90 of this Law. The motor vehicle shall be promptly returned once the party provides the corresponding license plates, marks, or completes the required procedures. Deliberately concealing, damaging, or improperly installing motor vehicle license plates shall be penalized according to Article 90 of this Law. 2. Article 99: Any of the following acts shall result in a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan imposed by the traffic management department of the public security organ: (1) Driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a driver's license, or during the period when the driver's license is revoked or temporarily suspended; (2) Allowing a person without a driver's license or whose license is revoked or temporarily suspended to drive a motor vehicle; (3) Fleeing after causing a traffic accident without constituting a crime; (4) Driving a motor vehicle at a speed exceeding 50% of the prescribed limit; (5) Forcing a motor vehicle driver to violate traffic safety laws, regulations, or safe driving requirements, resulting in a traffic accident without constituting a crime; (6) Forcibly passing through traffic control areas despite dissuasion; (7) Intentionally damaging, moving, or altering traffic facilities, causing harmful consequences without constituting a crime; (8) Illegally intercepting or detaining motor vehicles despite dissuasion, causing severe traffic congestion or significant property loss.
I've been driving for over a decade, and according to traffic regulations, you must carry your driver's license with you when driving. If you don't have it and get pulled over by traffic police, it could be troublesome—you might face a fine of 50 to 200 yuan, lose a point or two, and in severe cases, even have your vehicle impounded. I once had a friend who forgot his license and got a ticket, and the follow-up process to sort it out was a real hassle. Although electronic driver's licenses are being trialed in some areas now, the law still requires the physical card. So, I've made it a habit to keep my license in my wallet, ready to pull out before driving—it's both convenient and legal. Don't underestimate this little card; in emergencies like accidents, it can prove your identity and prevent being wrongly accused of driving without a license. In short, safe driving starts with carrying your license—don't cut corners or make excuses.
