Is it okay to drive without carrying a driver's license now?
4 Answers
"Not carrying" is not equivalent to "not having," but both are considered traffic violations. The following are the precautions for motor vehicle drivers to apply for a replacement driver's license: 1. After a motor vehicle driver replaces the motor vehicle driver's license: the original motor vehicle driver's license becomes invalid. 2. When applying for a replacement driver's license: if the remaining validity period of the motor vehicle driver's license is less than ninety days, the renewal of the driver's license upon expiration can be processed simultaneously. 3. The status of the applicant's driver's license at the time of application: the driver's license should not have a record of 12 points, overdue inspection, seizure, detention, suspension, cancellation, revocation, or annulment of the motor vehicle driver's license.
Last time I forgot to bring my driver's license when going out, I was fined 200 yuan. The traffic police officer was quite polite but didn't waive the fine at all. Current regulations require drivers to carry either the original driver's license or an electronic version when driving. However, electronic driver's licenses aren't recognized nationwide yet. For instance, when traveling to other regions, it's better to bring the physical license. Some cities now support showing electronic driver's licenses via mobile phones - just apply through the 12123 Traffic Management APP. But to be safe, I always keep a photocopy of my license in the car as backup, since some veteran traffic officers still only accept paper versions. Never take chances if you forget to bring it - besides fines, your vehicle might be impounded if caught.
Honestly, driving without a physical driver's license is really not an option these days. If caught, it's a matter of points deduction and fines. Last time, my friend was pulled over for forgetting his license, and although his driving qualifications were eventually verified, he still got fined. If your city has implemented electronic driver's licenses, it's much more convenient, but remember to register on the official app in advance—don't wait until the last minute. Especially for long-distance trips, regulations vary by region, and some places still don't recognize electronic licenses. It's best to keep the original in a fixed spot in your car to avoid forgetting it. When we hit the road, we must follow the rules—safety first.
Nowadays, driving without a driver's license is not allowed, and if caught, you will be fined 200 yuan, and in severe cases, 1 point will be deducted. I personally make it a habit to keep both my driver's license and vehicle registration certificate in a fixed spot in the center console to avoid losing them. Many cities now support electronic driver's licenses, which can be displayed on your phone after registering on the Traffic Management 12123 app. However, when traveling across provinces, it's best to carry the paper version, as I've seen people being fined at highway rest stops because their electronic licenses weren't recognized in other regions. If you do forget to bring it, don't panic—just cooperate with the traffic police during the verification process.
