Is it okay for a novice driver not to display the novice sign?
3 Answers
Novice drivers who do not display the probationary sign will not receive demerit points, but they may be fined. The fine is 200 yuan, with the specific regulations as follows: 1. According to Article 64, Paragraph 3 of 'Order No. 123': When driving a motor vehicle during the probationary period, a uniform probationary sign must be affixed or hung at the rear of the vehicle. 2. Traffic police remind that if probationary drivers fail to affix or hang the uniform sign at the rear of the vehicle; if the affixed or hung sign cannot be normally recognized; or if the affixed or hung sign does not meet the requirements, such as signs like 'New Driver on the Road' or self-printed signs, it will be considered as not displaying the sign, and a fine of 200 yuan will be imposed.
When I first started driving, I also struggled with this issue. To be honest, putting up that 'New Driver' sticker is really necessary. Last month, my friend got rear-ended while turning, and the police directly said not having the sticker was one of the factors in determining liability. It's not legally mandatory (except in certain cities), but it mainly serves as a heads-up to surrounding cars. Drivers behind you will naturally keep an extra half-car distance when they see the sticker, and they'll be more lenient when you change lanes. Especially during morning rush hour on the ring road, new drivers without stickers who brake suddenly are particularly prone to getting rear-ended. I recommend buying the static cling version online—it leaves no adhesive marks. Just stick it on the lower right corner of your windshield for three months; it's much more cost-effective than getting a ticket.
As a veteran driver with ten years of experience, let me tell you honestly, that yellow background with red lettering 'New Driver' sticker is quite important. Last week, I witnessed a brand-new car without the sticker getting lost on an overpass and slamming on the brakes, causing a three-car pileup. Although traffic regulations don’t specify penalties for not displaying it, the 'Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses' clearly state that new drivers must be accompanied by an experienced driver when driving on highways. While urban roads don’t enforce this rule, your insurance company might argue if you’re involved in an accident. For instance, if a novice is fully at fault in an accident, not having the sticker could lead to claims of 'failing to fulfill the duty of risk notification.' A magnetic sticker costs just five bucks—stick one in the corner of your windshield and remove it after three months; it’s no loss.
