Is the Electronic Driver's License Recognized by Traffic Police in 2021?
3 Answers
Since the electronic driver's license has not yet been fully implemented nationwide, it is recognized by traffic police in regions where the electronic driver's license has been introduced; in areas where the electronic driver's license has not yet been implemented, the traffic management departments of public security authorities may not recognize it. Until the electronic driver's license is fully popularized, it is best to carry your physical driver's license when driving a motor vehicle. Here are the relevant details: Regions where electronic driver's licenses are applicable: The electronic driver's license has not been promoted nationwide and is only applicable in certain areas, such as Guangzhou, Nanjing, Harbin, Yunnan, Shenzhen, etc. Moreover, electronic driver's licenses cannot be used on highways, as highway traffic police are not under local jurisdiction. Therefore, it is still necessary to carry your physical driver's license. Functions of the electronic driver's license: Commonly known as the 'e-license,' the electronic driver's license serves as a supplement to the physical license. In situations where drivers do not carry their physical licenses, they can still undergo roadside checks. During traffic police roadside inspections, if a driver forgets to carry their physical driver's license, they are allowed to present an electronic driver's license with a QR code. After the traffic police verify the legality of the license through a PDA or system, the driver will not be fined or have their vehicle impounded for 'not carrying a driver's license or vehicle registration.'
Oh, the electronic driver's license in 2021 was indeed recognized by traffic police. I remember back then I often forgot to bring my physical card when driving, but showing the electronic version through the 'Traffic Management 12123' APP was fine—I got checked several times with no issues. This thing was promoted by the National Ministry of Public Security and is supported in most cities across the country, making it both convenient and hassle-free. However, I once tried to pull it up in an area with poor signal and couldn't get it to load, which was pretty awkward. I recommend checking your APP login status before heading out, just in case. If your phone runs out of battery, it could be a bit troublesome. Some people worry about security, but the system's encryption is solid, so personal privacy isn't compromised. Overall, even during the promotion period in 2021, it was reliable. I recommend just carrying your phone, with the physical card as a backup.
The electronic driver's license was officially recognized by traffic police in 2021. I usually just use my phone while driving, which saves me the hassle of carrying a physical card. That year, the app was optimized with several features, such as faster QR code scanning speed, making it quick for traffic police to verify and let me pass. I've encountered varying acceptance across regions—major cities are more receptive, while rural areas might lag slightly, so it's best to check local policies before traveling. I recommend installing the latest version of the app to avoid system bugs affecting usage. The advantage of the electronic license is the ability to update information anytime, like changing addresses without waiting for a new card. However, it's wise to carry a physical license in areas with weak network signals, just in case. Security-wise, the official system is quite reliable, so feel free to use it with confidence. Once you get used to it, it really saves time.
