Is it necessary to carry the driver's license with you?
3 Answers
You should carry your driver's license with you when driving. Here are the relevant reasons why you must carry your driver's license: 1. Legal requirements: According to Articles 95 and 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, the penalties for not carrying a driver's license are as follows: Regardless of whether the driver violates traffic laws while driving, the driver is not allowed to continue driving the vehicle. The traffic management department of the public security organ shall detain the motor vehicle and notify the driver to provide the driver's license. Then, the driver will be dealt with according to the situation of providing the driver's license. 2. Not carrying the driver's license will result in points deduction: According to relevant regulations: If a motor vehicle driver commits any of the following violations, 1 point will be deducted: The motor vehicle driving on the road does not have the inspection qualification mark, insurance mark, or does not carry the vehicle license or driver's license.
A few days ago, I was stopped by traffic police while driving to a neighboring city and asked to show my driver's license. Fortunately, I habitually keep my documents in the car. The officer clearly told me that the driver's license must be carried with the vehicle at all times, as it's a mandatory requirement in the Road Traffic Safety Law. Some regions now implement electronic driver's licenses, such as applying through the 'Traffic Management 12123' app, but for inter-provincial travel, it's still safer to carry the physical copy. My neighbor forgot his license last week and got penalized with 1 demerit point and a 50-yuan fine. What's more troublesome was that his car was temporarily impounded, and he had to ask family to deliver the documents to retrieve it. I recommend keeping a document holder fixed in the glove compartment—it prevents loss and makes inspections convenient.
As a frequent long-distance traveler, a driver's license is as important as an ID card. Last month at a highway checkpoint, I witnessed a truck driver delay his entire shipment for half a day because he forgot his physical license. While e-licenses are convenient, traffic police in remote areas with unstable networks only accept physical copies. I’ve made it a habit to keep a photocopy of my license tucked in my phone case—at least it proves my identity if checked, though the original must be presented within ten minutes. A friend of mine, after applying for an e-license via 12123, even printed a screenshot of the successful application to keep in the car—double insurance for peace of mind.
