Is it mandatory to keep the vehicle license in the car?

[FelicityRose]

The vehicle license must be kept in the car. The motor vehicle license is the legal document that permits a motor vehicle to drive on roads within China. The vehicle license consists of three parts: the license holder, the main page, and the supplementary page. Legal Basis: Article 17 of the "Road Traffic Management Regulations" stipulates: "Vehicles must pass the inspection by the vehicle management authority and obtain license plates and a vehicle license before they are allowed to drive." Therefore, possessing a "Motor Vehicle License" is one of the prerequisites for a vehicle to be driven on the road. Driving without carrying the vehicle license is a violation, whether the driver has not obtained the "Motor Vehicle License" or simply forgot to bring it. Article 8 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: The state implements a registration system for motor vehicles. Motor vehicles may only be driven on the road after being registered by the traffic management department of the public security authority. For motor vehicles that have not yet been registered but need to be driven temporarily on the road, a temporary pass must be obtained. The vehicle license and license plates are essential requirements for a vehicle to be driven on the road. Article 19 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China" states: To drive a motor vehicle, one must legally obtain a motor vehicle driving license. Applicants for a motor vehicle driving license must meet the driving license conditions stipulated by the public security department under the State Council. After passing the examination, the traffic management department of the public security authority will issue the corresponding category of motor vehicle driving license. Holders of foreign motor vehicle driving licenses who meet the driving license conditions stipulated by the public security department under the State Council and pass the assessment by the traffic management department of the public security authority may be issued a Chinese motor vehicle driving license. Drivers must operate motor vehicles according to the vehicle type specified on their driving license and must carry their motor vehicle driving license when driving. No unit or individual other than the traffic management department of the public security authority may confiscate or detain a motor vehicle driving license.

[VanJake]

I always keep my vehicle license in the car because traffic regulations strictly require it to be carried with the vehicle at all times. During roadside checks, if you fail to present the vehicle license, the police can impose an on-the-spot fine, usually ranging from 50 to 200 yuan, and may also deduct points from your license. Once, I forgot to bring it when going out and almost got fined 100 yuan, but luckily, I had a photo backup on my phone that convinced the officer. However, some people worry about security issues—if the car gets stolen, the documents go with it. My suggestion is to take high-definition photos and store them in your phone's cloud storage or in the document wallet feature of apps like Alipay as a backup. Overall, keeping it in the car is the most hassle-free option to avoid the inconvenience and delays during checks. Regularly check your vehicle license to ensure it hasn’t expired or been damaged, guaranteeing everything is in order while driving.

[MelanieDella]

During the first two years of driving, I often debated whether to carry my vehicle license. As a novice driver lacking experience, I learned the hard way after being pulled over by police a few times: the law requires carrying the original document while driving, otherwise facing fines. I usually keep it tucked in the glove compartment for easy access. However, risks must be considered - like losing the document if the car gets stolen, so I take extra precautions by keeping a digital copy on my phone. In reality, the chance of being checked is low, but carrying it gives peace of mind, especially during emergencies or long trips. I advise new drivers to develop this habit - don't cut corners with fake documents, faithfully following regulations is always the right approach.

[DiVincent]

The vehicle license must be kept in the car, it's a strict rule. Getting fined for not having it during an inspection is such a hassle. I usually clip it behind the sun visor—it's a fixed spot and easy to find. From a safety perspective, there's a risk if the car gets stolen with the documents inside, but the solution is simple: take photos and store them on your phone. Digital licenses are accepted in some cities now, but you still need to keep the original. Overall, keeping it in the car is worry-free and safer to avoid fines.

[DiMorgan]

As parents who frequently travel with kids, keeping the vehicle license in the car is our family rule. We always have a toolbox in the car with a dedicated small pouch for documents, stored in a hidden spot to prevent theft. Although regulations require carrying it at all times, it's very convenient to present immediately during police checks. However, when using shared cars, we educate our children not to tamper with it, as losing it would mean time-consuming replacement procedures. We recommend checking the validity of the vehicle license weekly, making it a habit just like car maintenance, ensuring worry-free family trips.

[DeLane]

Keeping the vehicle license in the car is a legal obligation, otherwise, there is a high risk of fines. There are two reasons: the original is required during inspections, and digital versions are not universally accepted; the fine standard starts from 50 to 200 yuan. For safety, you can take a photo as a backup or place it in a secure spot like the storage compartment. When driving, remember to regularly check if it has expired, and combine this with preventive measures like locking the car doors for added peace of mind. Overall, keeping it in the car ensures both convenience and compliance.