Is the electronic driver's license recognized by traffic police in Shanghai?
2 Answers
Traffic police do not recognize the electronic driver's license in Shanghai. Here are the relevant details: 1. Areas where electronic driver's licenses are valid: The electronic driver's license has not been promoted nationwide and is only applicable in certain regions, such as Guangzhou, Nanjing, Harbin, Yunnan, Shenzhen, etc. However, it cannot be used on highways as highway traffic police are not under local jurisdiction. Therefore, it is still necessary to carry a physical driver's license. 2. Function of the electronic driver's license: The electronic driver's license, commonly known as the 'e-license,' serves as a supplement to the physical license. In cases where drivers do not carry their physical licenses, they can still present the electronic version for roadside checks. When traffic police conduct roadside inspections and find that a driver has forgotten to carry their physical license, they may allow the driver to present the QR code of the electronic license. After verification via PDA or system confirmation of the license's validity, the traffic police will not impose fines or impound the vehicle on the grounds of 'not carrying a driver's license or vehicle registration.'
As someone who has been driving for nearly a decade, I can confidently tell you that the electronic driver's license is fully recognized by traffic police in Shanghai. It's applied for through the official Traffic Management 12123 app, and I've used it several times myself. Last time I was checked in Pudong, I showed the electronic license on my phone, and the officer verified it directly before letting me go. However, you must ensure it's the official certificate from the app, not a screenshot or fake version. Also, when going out, it's advisable to fully charge your phone to avoid suddenly running out of battery and not being able to show the license; in areas with poor network, it's best to download the offline version in advance. The electronic license is very convenient—no panic if you forget your physical license, but remember to update the app regularly to avoid expiration and needing to make up for it on the spot. This is the rule throughout Shanghai and even nationwide; traffic police accept it, saving the hassle of running around.
