What are the consequences of driving with an expired driver's license?
2 Answers
Driving with an expired driver's license will result in a fine. Here are the relevant details: 1. You can apply for a new license 90 days before the expiration date of your current driver's license. Within one year after the expiration date, you can also submit a physical condition certificate to the local traffic police department where your household registration is located to complete the application for a license renewal. If more than one year has passed, the driver's license will be revoked. 2. Methods for applying to lift the revocation of a driver's license: If the license has been expired for more than 1 year but less than 3 years: After the driver submits an application, passing the subject test can lift the revocation and restore the license. If the license has been expired for more than 3 years, the driver must pass all subject tests, similar to applying for a new driver's license, to lift the revocation, or choose to reapply for a new driver's license.
Last time I didn’t notice my driver’s license had expired, and I was pulled over by traffic police while driving to pick up my child. I was directly charged with unlicensed driving—fined 500 RMB and had my car impounded. The officer explained that even one day past expiration counts as illegal, and insurance companies won’t cover any accidents in such cases. Now I set a phone reminder three months in advance for renewal. I recommend everyone regularly check their license validity. Letting it lapse over two years is worse—you’ll have to retake the written test from scratch, wasting both time and money.