Is it okay to drive with only a driver's license?

[DeHarrison]

No, it is not okay to drive with only a driver's license. Driving without a vehicle registration certificate is not permitted. The vehicle registration certificate is the legal document that allows a motor vehicle to be driven on roads within China. According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law," when driving a motor vehicle on the road, one must carry both the driver's license and the vehicle registration certificate, and must also place the inspection sticker, insurance sticker, and license plate in the designated locations as required. When driving on the road, the vehicle must display its license plate (or temporary license plate or replacement plate certificate). Insured vehicles must carry the insurance policy, individually operated vehicles should carry relevant business licenses and documents, the vehicle registration certificate, driver's license, and road maintenance fee certificate. Vehicles owned by organizations should carry the company's "travel document," and the driver must carry their resident ID card. Driving without a vehicle registration certificate may or may not result in penalties, depending on the situation. For example, driving your own car, a friend's car, or a shared car from outside can have different consequences if the vehicle registration certificate is not present. The scenarios are as follows: Driving a shared car: Those who have driven shared cars may notice that the vehicle registration certificate is not kept in the car. Although this is not legally permitted, shared car companies collectively store the vehicle registration certificates to prevent loss. If needed, the certificate is provided to the police for inspection. Driving a friend's car: Even if the vehicle registration certificate is under a different name (the friend's), it must still be carried. Driving your own car: If the vehicle registration certificate has been temporarily confiscated but you still drive the car, according to the "Regulations on the Application and Management of Motor Vehicle Driver's Licenses" by the Ministry of Public Security, traffic authorities have the right to impound the vehicle, impose a fine, and deduct 1 point from the driver's license. The vehicle can only be retrieved once the driver presents the vehicle registration certificate.