What are the penalties for driving with an expired driver's license?
2 Answers
Driving with an expired driver's license is treated as driving without a license. The traffic management department of the public security authority will impose a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 RMB and may also detain the driver for up to 15 days. Below are the relevant details: 1. Legal basis: Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Law. The following acts will result in a fine of 200 to 2,000 RMB by the traffic management department of the public security authority: (1) Driving a motor vehicle without obtaining a driver's license, or when the driver's license has been revoked or temporarily suspended; (2) Allowing a person without a driver's license, or whose license has been revoked or temporarily suspended, to drive a motor vehicle. 2. Solution: Within one year of expiration, bring the driver's license, ID card, and health certificate to renew it. If the driver's license has been expired for less than one year, you can apply for a new one. You can bring the expired license, along with your valid ID and a health statement, to reapply for a new license.
Driving with an expired license can lead to severe penalties! I know some friends in traffic enforcement, and they say this situation is considered unlicensed driving, which is dealt with quite harshly. If you're pulled over by the police and checked, the minimum fine is 200 yuan, and it could easily go up to thousands. You'll also lose 12 points on your license, have it temporarily suspended, and need to retake the test to get it back. If you're involved in an accident, it's even worse—insurance companies will deny coverage for medical expenses or repair costs once they see your license is expired, leaving you to foot the bill. I recommend everyone develop the habit of checking their license validity every six months and renewing it at the vehicle management office three months in advance. Don’t wait until it expires to panic—setting a reminder on your phone is even more convenient. Safe driving is no small matter; negligence is not an option.
