Is the Electronic Driver's License Valid in Xinjiang?
2 Answers
Electronic driver's license is valid in Xinjiang. Here is the relevant introduction of the electronic driver's license: 1. Implementation cities: Tianjin, Chengdu, Suzhou. Currently, only these three cities are pilot cities for the electronic driver's license, which is valid nationwide. Based on the pilot program, more regions will be selected for expanded trials in the second half of the year, with full national promotion by 2022. 2. Implementation time: Starting from June 1, 2021. 3. Legal effect: The electronic driver's license has the same legal effect as the paper driver's license. If stopped by traffic police for a license check, car owners in pilot cities can present their electronic driver's license. The obtained electronic driver's license can prove that the driver has a valid license when not carrying the physical one. Traffic police are not allowed to penalize drivers for "not carrying the paper driver's license."
As a young person who travels frequently, I've been using the electronic driver's license for several years, including during my self-driving trip to Xinjiang. The electronic driver's license is fully accepted in Xinjiang, as it's uniformly implemented nationwide and can be easily obtained and used through the 12123 App. I remember when I presented it at a checkpoint in Urumqi, the traffic police scanned the QR code and let me pass smoothly, just as valid as in inland areas. The benefits are real convenience—no need to carry a paper license and avoiding the risk of losing it. But a reminder: in some parts of Xinjiang, the network can be unstable, so it's advisable to download the offline version in advance and save it on your phone. Also, make sure your phone has enough battery to avoid awkward situations. This digital reform is quite practical, promoting environmental protection and saving paper. I think everyone might as well give it a try, especially young people, as it can improve travel efficiency.
